WASHINGTON (TVR) – The Transportation Security Administration says it is prepared for a “10-year high” in passengers traveling during Spring Break. The TSA predicts it will screen 62 million passengers just in the month of March.
“As we approach the Spring Break travel period, security remains our top priority, and we are taking every measure, both seen and unseen, to protect the millions of air travelers,” TSA Acting Administrator Huban Gowadia said in a statement.
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Spring Break Upgrades
TSA is pushing to install more automated screening lanes that separate passengers cleared through security with those whose bags need further screening, so as not to slow down the lines. The redesign of the security screening lanes has already been put in place at several airports, including LAX, Chicago’s ORD, and Newark’s EWR.
Angry passengers strongly criticized the TSA last year after bottlenecks at airport screening lines, a lack of screeners, and local officials slammed “inadequacy” of TSA efforts.
Avoiding a Repeat
Despite its planning this year to avoid a repeat, the TSA does warn that “delays at the airport may occur.” It has issued these tips:
- Arrive early. Consider adding time in your travel plans for traffic, parking, rental car returns and airline check-in. Arrive up to two hours in advance of your flight departure time for domestic travel and three hours for international flights.
- Apply for a trusted traveler program, such as TSA Pre✓®, 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✓® lanes. For travelers using the TSA Pre✓® lane, there is no need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets at more than 180 U.S. airports when traveling on 30 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, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends/holidays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
- Know the TSA Pre✓® lane hours. For TSA Pre✓® members, a new web feature lists the operating hours for the TSA Pre✓® lanes at 26 largest airports. Travelers can enter their airport, day of week and time of day of travel, and the tool will return the availability of a dedicated TSA Pre✓® lane(s).
- Prepare for security. Have a valid ID and boarding pass readily available, and remove large electronics, including laptops and 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-size plastic bag and be placed in a bin for carry-on baggage screening. This includes sun block 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 what to expect at the security checkpoint as well as arrange for assistance at the checkpoint.
Skipping the Lines
How about skipping the TSA general line and Pre-Check line altogether?
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