Thanksgiving 2019: Record Air Travel Likely, Get To Airport Early

HANOVER, MD — For the many passengers with flights booked for what is expected to be a record Thanksgiving weekend via the nation's airports, including Baltimore-Washington International Airport, officials have some tips to deal with the crowded parking lots, terminals and packed security lines. More than 26.8 million passengers and crew members will travel through security screening checkpoints nationwide daily from Nov. 22 through Dec. 2, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

Typically, the TSA screens about 32,000 passengers on an average day at BWI. But on the busiest travel days leading up to and immediately after Thanksgiving, the agency expects to screen up to 40,000 passengers and crew members per day at BWI Airport, said Lisa Farbstein, TSA spokesperson. The holiday crowds mean it is important for passengers to arrive at the security checkpoint two hours before their domestic flight and three hours prior to their international flight. Travelers are urged to check in for a flight ahead of time, either on their airline’s website or mobile app.

The busiest travel days leading up to Thanksgiving will be Nov. 27, the Wednesday before the holiday, with 2.7 million passengers and crew expected, and Dec. 1, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, when more than 2.8 million travelers are expected to be flying home. On a typical weekday, TSA screens about 2.1 million passengers nationwide.

BWI will launch measures to help relieve traffic congestion along the terminal roadway.

“As we kick off the holiday travel season, we want our customers to have convenient, positive travel experiences,” said Ricky Smith, executive director of BWI Marshall Airport. “We have put several temporary measures in place to help motorists when picking up or dropping off passengers during this busy period.”

To help get passengers get in and out of BWI Airport, the hourly parking garage adjacent to the terminal is free for the first hour to pick up or drop off family members or friends starting Nov. 22 through Dec. 6, and also from Dec. 20 through Jan. 3. The airport's cell phone lot will add 50 spaces through the holidays to handle more vehicles as drivers wait for arriving passengers to call.

Also during the holidays, commercial vehicles are required to use the upper level/departures level roadway to drop off and pick up all customers. This change includes hotel shuttles, off-airport parking shuttles, and Uber and Lyft drivers from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5.

TSA checkpoints at BWI will be fully staffed during this peak period.

Related:

Real ID Deadline Reminder For Thanksgiving Fliers In Maryland

To help make for a faster trip, here are tips for airport travelers:

• Search your bag for items that are prohibited past the security checkpoint. This includes knives, power tools and tools over seven inches in length; stun guns; martial arts weapons and more.
• Make sure electronics are easily accessible. All personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone should be placed in bins for X-ray screening with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for several years.

General Airport Tips

• Re-confirm the status of your flight with your airline before arriving at the airport.
• Expect full flights and full luggage bins on board.
• Bring government-issued I.D. for all adult travelers and passports for all travelers on international trips.
• Keep valuables out of plain sight and pack them in carry-on luggage only. Remember to lock cars and take the key.
• Leave gifts unwrapped until after the flight. Review TSA's prohibited items list.

Travelers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Prepare for security when packing. Put large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols into checked bags — think shampoo, conditioner, suntan lotion, shaving cream and anti-perspirant. If you've only got a carry-on bag, make sure all of your liquids follow the 3-1-1 rule.
• Follow 3-1- 1 liquids rule for your carry-on bag. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all bottles must fit in a single quart-size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. This includes sun block and tanning sprays. Let the TSA officer know right away if you're traveling with larger quantities of medically-necessary liquid medications or breast milk or formula for an infant.
• Documents ready: When you enter the checkpoint line have an acceptable ID and boarding pass out of your wallet and ready to hand to the TSA officer. Once you get to the screening tables, remove large electronics including laptops and the 3-1- 1 liquids bag, from carry-on baggage.
• Less accessories: Minimize items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, large belts and other items that are likely to require additional screening. Remove all items from your pockets and put them into one of your carry-on bags so you won't lose them.
• @AskTSA: If you have questions on what is allowed through the security checkpoint, contact a TSA employee for live assistance 365 days a year via Twitter. Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays. Call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 1-855- 787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint 72 hours prior to traveling.
• Apply for TSA Pre✓ or other trusted travel programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. To find the program that meets your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool. These programs give travelers access to TSA Pre✓expedited screening lanes; those passengers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets at more than 180 U.S. airports. For more information about TSA Pre✓, visit the frequently asked questions page on the TSA.gov website.
• Tweet or Message AskTSA. Issues receiving TSA Pre✓ on your boarding pass? Unsure if an item is allowed through security? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.

The TSA also urges travelers to get a Real ID-compliant driver’s license this fall before the October 2020 deadline. After that date, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. The cards are marked with a star in the upper portion of the card.

Travelers are encouraged to get their REAL ID before the end of the year, because next year people are more likely to be caught up in the rush to get a REAL ID that could result in long lines at the DMV offices.