Summer 2018 Travel: Expect Reagan, Dulles To Be Packed

Summer vacationers heading out from Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport will find it more crowded than ever through Labor Day, as the Transportation Security Administration expects a record-breaking travel season.

243 million passengers and crew are expected to go through security checkpoints nationwide between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Last summer, Transportation Security Administration workers screened more than 239 million passengers and crew during the same period, which included four of the top ten busiest days in the agency's history. To account for the travel surge, TSA increased its checkpoint by more than 600 officers earlier this year and expects to add 1,000 more and about 50 more canine teams by the peak summer travel season.

"TSA screens over 2 million passengers on an average day throughout the year and expects to screen over 2.6 million a day during peak periods of the busy summer travel season," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement. "Our officers are committed to ensuring the highest level of security for the traveling public even as passenger volume increases year after year."

As the unofficial start of summer kicks off during Memorial Day weekend, AAA-Mid Atlantic projected 84,900 DC area residents are taking to the skies, which is up 7.5 percent from 79,000 in 2017. Nationwide, the number of air travels is 3.1 million people, a 6.8 percent increase and the fifth year of consecutive air travel volume increases. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. Plus, like Patch on Facebook or get the free Patch iPhone app or Patch Android app.)

The surge in air travel shouldn't come as a surprise, as airfares are 7 percent lower than last Memorial Day, landing at an average price of $168 for a round-trip flight along the top 40 domestic routes.

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"The average lowest round-trip is $191 from Washington, D.C. to Las Vegas, which is 24.9 percent decrease from the $254 in 2017," said John B. Townsend II, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, in a news release. "The average lowest round-trip from New York to Washington, D.C. is $116 in comparison to $145 in 2017, which is a decrease of 20.2 percent."

Tips To Eliminate Hassles

To help speed the security screening process, travelers should arrive early to the airport, authorities say, preferably two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to ensure you have time to park or return rental cars, check your bags, get a boarding pass and hit the restroom — all before heading to the security checkpoint.

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.

Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off as you go through security screening. Empty your pockets before heading through the checkpoint screening equipment. 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 TSA says. "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."

Travelers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Arrive early. Up to two hours before a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international flight.
• 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: Consider minimizing items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, large belts and other bulky 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.
• 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.

Additional reporting by Patch editor Deb Belt

Image of Dulles International Airport via Mark Wilson/Getty Images