TSA Shares Summer Travel Tips for DC-Area Residents

Looking to travel out of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area this summer? The Transportation Security Administration has some advice for you.

It's expected to be a busy summer season at Washington-area airports, and that means it's best to come prepared to avoid delays in boarding your flight. The TSA screened 449 million travelers in the first five months of 2016, which is 57 million more than the same time period last year, according to a TSA statement.

In anticipation that it's going to be just as busy this summer, the TSA has a few tips for D.C.-area travelers.

"Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide," the statement notes. "To facilitate the security screening process, travelers should arrive early to the Washington, DC, area’s airports—Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. It is recommended that travelers arrive at least two hours in advance of a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international fight to ensure that they have time to park their cars or return rental cars, check their bags with their airline, get their boarding pass and hit the restroom—all before heading to the security checkpoint. Lines are likely at rental car counters, airline counters and checkpoints."

But it's more than about arriving early. You should also prepare ahead of time by following the 3-1-1 rule: when packing toiletries, have no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a 1-quart plastic bag, and no more than one bag for every person.

Also, make sure you don't have any prohibited items.

"The most common mistake that passengers make is that they have items that are prohibited at a checkpoint—mainly oversize liquids and various knives that are in their carry-on bags," the statement adds. "Prohibited items detected at a checkpoint will slow a checkpoint line. They require bag-checks, tests for traces of explosives and finally, rescreening through the X-ray equipment and can add a few minutes to the amount of time it takes an individual to complete the screening process."

Following that advice should lead to a "smooth checkpoint experience," the TSA says.

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