The TSA issues new travel tips before the "busiest" holiday season

The agency has some reminders for travelers over the next two months.


There are few places that strike more in our hearts than the airport during the holidays. Security lines And the planes become even more congested than usual, because an overwhelming rush of passengers venture to meet with dear beings. But although it is a fact that the holidays are difficult for travel, the holiday season of 2023 is probably the "busiest of all time", according to the transportation Security Administration (TSA). To prepare the passengers, the agency published new advice before Thanksgiving's travel period, which begins this Friday, November 17. Read the rest to find out what the TSA wants you to know.

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November 26 should be the busiest travel day.

traveling home for thanksgiving
Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock

Thanksgiving's travel period extends over 12 days, taking place until November 28 - but generally, most travelers fly on Tuesday and Wednesday before Turkey and Sunday after, November 13 Press release . This year, the TSA plans that Sunday 26 November after the highlights will be the busiest, with 2.9 million passengers projected in American airports.

If these predictions are correct, it would dethrone on June 30, 2023, which currently holds the record for the heaviest passenger screening volume in the history of the TSA.

"We expect this holiday season to be our busiest. David Pekoske said in the press release. "We are ready for the volumes planned and we work in close collaboration with our partners in airline and airport to make sure that we are prepared for this season of busy vacation trip. We will also do our best to maintain time standards 'Waiting for less than 10 minutes for TSA Precheck tracks and less than 30 minutes for standard screening tracks. "

He continued: "I am grateful for our dedicated employees who continue to remain vigilant and focused on the mission during this holiday season season and beyond."

While the TSA does its part to prepare for the influx of travelers, if you plan to fly for Thanksgiving, be sure to take a few steps before arriving at the airport.

In relation: 5 surprising TSA items can tell you about airport safety .

Be careful when you suit your suitcases.

tourism, business trip, people and luggage concept - close up shot of female hands packing things for a new journey in suitcase.
istock

Do you tend to wrap frantically at the last minute? You may want to start earlier than normal in this holiday season.

The TSA recommends starting with a completely empty bag, which means that you are less likely to accidentally bring prohibited items. If you pack something for the Thanksgiving party, keep in mind that you can not bring anything that could be considered a liquid, namely the cranberry sauce, the wine, the sauce, the jams and the canned.

If you are Travel with a firearm , the agency also reminds you that it must be stored "in a hard and locked case" and maintained in the checked luggage. When you arrive at the airport, you have to declare the gun with the airline at the ticket office when you register.

Take a gun thanks to safety "is expensive and takes time and can cause delays," warns the TSA, noting that it could leave you a maximum civil sentence of $ 15,000 and a loss of your eligibility for the TSA Precheck for five years.

In relation: 10 Security Secrets at TSA airport does not want you to know .

Go early and prepare for new screening procedures.

man taking bag through airport security
Jarumir Chalabala / Shutterstock

Because the airport is likely to be busy than usual, TSA suggests arriving earlier - about two hours before your planned flight. This will also give you additional time to the security checkpoint, where you may meet new screening technology.

"Screening protocols vary from airport to other, depending on available technology and the current threat environment," the press release said. "Some airports have installed new cutting -edge tomodensitometry (CT) scanners that considerably improve threat detection capacities for hand luggage and reduce physical searches for bag content for prohibited items."

The agency adds that these units capture 3D images, which means you can leave your liquids and laptop in your bag.

Make sure you have a valid identity document.

traveler with id and boarding pass at the airport
JBFX / Shutterstock

Regardless of the airport you leave or the airline with which you fly, check that you have an appropriate identification and ready to leave. You may be asked to put your physical identifier in an Authentication Authentication Technology Unit (CAT). If your airport has CAT-2 machines (the second generation), you may also be invited to take your photo, the real-time image used to compare the photo on your identifier.

The TSA notes that the photos are not stored and that the process is voluntary - you can refuse to take your photo and that your identity is verified manually without losing your place online. In addition, if you are registered with the TSA Precheck, make sure that your known travel number (KTN) and your date of birth are included in your airline reservation to make sure you do not encounter any verification problems.

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Ask questions in advance and show your thanks to the airport.

tsa agent checking id
Everything for the whole component

The TSA makes it easy to get answers or ask for help before traveling. If you need support for passengers or help through the checkpoint, you can call the TSA Cares assistance line at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

For other questions, the TSA text in # 275-872 (Asktsa), contact Facebook Messenger , or put your request on x and tag @Asktsa . If you prefer to call, you can reach the TSA contact center at 866-289-9673.

When you arrive at the airport and interact with airport employees, take a second to thank you, according to the TSA suggestion.

"[Transport security officers] follow around 200 hours of training to become certified and are attached to transport safety while ensuring that all travelers are treated with respect and courtesy," the statement said. "Take an additional dose of patience, especially during the higher volume travel days of passengers, and be gratitude to those who work with diligence during the holidays and every day to bring everyone to their destinations safely . "

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