Holiday Travel? TSA Offers Tips for Smooth Flying

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shared guidance Thursday for passengers traveling during what the agency predicts will be the busiest travel season in its history.

TSA screens nearly 2 million passengers daily and on the days leading up to Thanksgiving that number is expected to increase nearly 40 percent nationwide. The increased number of travelers is expected to stay consistent through the first week of December.

Flying out of Reagan National?

Reagan National – www.flyreagan.com

• • • Economy parking at Reagan National tends to fill during peak holiday periods; check parking options at flyreagan.com/parking
    • Reserve parking in advance at flyreagan.com/epark
  • • Browse new shopping and dining options at flyreagan.com/foodandshops
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TSA security checkpoints will be fully staffed nationwide during this time as TSA remains committed to processing passengers as efficiently as possible, while maintaining its primary focus on screening effectiveness.

Eligible passengers who have joined TSA Pre✓® move more quickly through the screening lanes, as they are generally not required to remove their shoes, light outerwear, or belt and are permitted to keep laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels in their carry-on bag.

While TSA concentrates on aviation security, passengers can simplify their travel experience by coming prepared to the airport. Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints.

Here are some helpful travel tips to make the checkpoint experience go smoothly:

• Know what is in your bag. Passengers who bring prohibited items to the checkpoint slow the screening process for themselves and everyone behind them. If in doubt about an item, use the “When I fly can I bring my…” app to check whether an item is permitted in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither.
• Prepare liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes to be sure they are packed in compliance with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Passengers who violate this rule will also cause delays for themselves and those who are in line behind them.
• Remove all items from pockets and put the items into a carry-on bag or into a bin when you get to the checkpoint. The screening experience will go even faster if travelers remove everything from their pockets before they get to the checkpoint.
• Avoid wearing large metal jewelry or clothing with large metal embellishments to reduce the possibility of alarming the checkpoint screening machine.
• Arrive early to the airport to allow enough time to park, get your boarding pass, check your luggage and go through the checkpoint. TSA recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before a flight if travelers are not yet enrolled in TSA Pre✓®.
• Listen to the instructions that the TSA officers are providing at the checkpoint. This helps the process move along efficiently.
• Travelers may bring wrapped gifts in their luggage; however, if a wrapped gift alarms, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns it may need to be unwrapped for additional screening. Consider using a gift bag instead of traditional wrapping paper to simplify the screening process of gifts.
• Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel then it is best to pack the item in a checked bag or ship it to its destination. As a general rule of thumb, if you can spread it, spill it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then it’s usually in the category of a liquid or gel.
• Travelers who have medical conditions or disabilities and want to get a better understanding of how best to prepare for the checkpoint process can call the TSA Cares toll-free helpline in advance of their trip at 1-855-787-2227 to get questions answered about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the checkpoint. It is recommended to call 72 hours in advance of the trip.

Public awareness is key for supporting TSA’s security efforts; therefore, TSA encourages travelers to remember “If You See Something, Say Something™.” For those traveling abroad, check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Gopage to learn about required documentation.

For further information about TSA procedures, or to provide feedback, travelers can call the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or send a message via Twitter to @AskTSA.