The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that Friday is set to be one of the busiest days in their agency’s history. While it is the Friday before the Fourth of July, people are likely going to be trying to get out of town to make the most of the holiday which falls during the middle of the week this year.
The TSA is preparing for another record-breaking travel season this summer, with 243 million passengers and crew projected to come through security checkpoints across the U.S. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Will you be flying for the #FourthofJuly holiday? Remember to pack properly, arrive early, and follow the instructions provided by our TSA officers. #SummerTravel pic.twitter.com/k2mMcfs24y
— TSA (@TSA) June 26, 2018
Last summer, TSA screened more than 239 million passengers and crew during the summer travel period, which included four of the top 10 busiest days in the agency’s history.
TSA said it’s likely that some travel days this year may also break into the top 10 list.
“Some of the busiest days of the summer are expected to be the days leading up to and immediately after major holidays such as July 4th and Labor Day, but most summer days will seem like holiday time with the increase in passengers expected throughout the summer,” said a statement from the TSA. “As a result, the checkpoints at Norfolk are fully-staffed for the busy summer travel season.”
As a reminder, there are a few things that passengers can do to assist TSA with keeping wait times to a minimum this summer:
- Always check personal belongings/carry-ons for prohibited items before going to the airport.
- Arrive to the airport 90 minutes to two hours prior to scheduled departure time if flying domestically; three hours for international flights.
- Listen carefully for TSA officer instructions on how to prepare for screening inside the TSA security checkpoint.
Some helpful tools and travel tips for the airport security checkpoint include:
- Apply for TSA Pre✓® or other trusted travel programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. These programs help improve security and provide an easier, more convenient travel experience, by affording travelers access to TSA Pre✓® expedited screening lanes. Travelers using the TSA Pre✓® lane do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets at more than 200 U.S. airports when traveling on 53 participating airlines.
- 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, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. You can also reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
- Prepare for security. Have a valid ID and boarding pass readily available, and remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone (laptops, e-readers, tablets, cameras) and the liquids bag from carry-on baggage. Avoid over packing your carry-on bag. Consider checking bags when feasible.
- Follow the liquids rule. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all containers must fit inside a single quart-sized plastic bag and be placed in a bin for carry-on baggage screening. This includes sunblock and tanning lotions.
- Call TSA Cares. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and find out what to expect at the security checkpoint as well as arrange for assistance at the checkpoint.
As a reminder, public awareness is key for supporting TSA’s security efforts. Travelers are encouraged to report suspicious activities and remember If You See Something, Say Something™. For individuals traveling abroad, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation.
