Starting Memorial Day weekend and running through Labor Day weekend, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is getting prepared for the busiest summer travel season ever. They will be screening a record number of travelers and urge passengers to be ready to comply with airport and airline-specific procedures.
From May 23 to May 29, the agency expects to screen more than 18 million passengers and crew, with Friday, May 24 being the busiest day of the period. TSA is expecting a volume increase of 6.3% compared to the same period in 2023.
Due to the influx of travelers over the summer season, TSA is focusing on enhanced detection methods and modernizing airport security to avoid any bottleneck issues.
They are “continuing to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and enhances the passenger experience and our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they’ve ever been,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a recent press release.
Here are a few tips to be prepared for this busy season of traveling:
Tip 1 – TSA is implementing facial recognition technology to speed up lines, so be ready with your ID when called. Keep your boarding pass tucked away and have your government ID on hand for the agent to scan.
Tip 2 – Make sure that you have no liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces in your carry on. Before packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited.
Tip 3 – If you have TSA PreCheck®, make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your reservation so you enjoy faster passenger checkpoint screening.
Tip 4 – With the rush of passengers this summer, give yourself a little added time before your flight to make sure any potential hold-ups through security don’t cause you to miss your flight.
For more tips visit www.tsa.gov.