The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for a busy summer of travel, and it’s asking travelers to prepare too: Summer air travel is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, meaning long lines at airport checkpoints are likely.
To help travelers get through airport security quickly and smoothly, the TSA offers seven tips for summer travel.
Recheck the pre-check
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Are you a member but didn’t see the TSA PreCheck symbol on your boarding pass? You may not have added your Known Traveler Number when booking. Make sure this information is properly added to your profile before checking in to ensure PreCheck actually appears on your ticket.
Empty your bag before packing
Maybe the last time you used your backpack was on a camping trip, and you had a knife hidden in your pocket and forgot about it. You shouldn’t be discovered at the TSA checkpoint. Before you start packing, make sure your bag is empty to avoid accidentally bringing prohibited items into the airport.
The TSA is particularly concerned about people bringing weapons, warning travelers that “passengers face significant penalties, including federal fines and additional screening, if they bring a firearm through a security checkpoint.”
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Airports will be very busy this summer, so you may experience longer lines than usual. Take this into account when planning how long it will take to return a rental car, find a parking spot, check your luggage and go through security.
To save time during screening, the TSA recommends removing items from your pockets and placing them in your carry-on bag rather than in a box.
Preparing for new technologies
You may see some new technology at airport checkpoints this summer, including new CT baggage scanners. “The opening of the X-ray tunnel in a CT unit is slightly smaller than in traditional X-ray units,” the TSA said. “TSA advises travelers not to force large bags through the tunnel and to ask a TSA officer for assistance.”
Keep Calm
While crowds and flight delays may test your patience this summer, don’t take out your frustrations on airport staff, TSA agents, or flight attendants. The TSA reminds passengers that “assaulting a TSA agent is a violation of federal law and may result in fines and arrest.”
Check your ID
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You won’t need a REAL ID license until 2025, but you should double-check that your passport or driver’s license hasn’t expired before you travel. Remember, many international destinations require your passport to remain valid for at least six months after your trip.
Learn how to contact the TSA
If you’re not sure what you can bring on a plane or what the security procedures are, contact the TSA before you travel. There are a number of ways to contact the TSA:
Social Media: Message @AskTSA on Facebook or Twitter Text 272872 (AskTSA) Call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673 Passengers requesting special assistance/accommodations can call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227.
Live assistance is available on social media from 8AM to 6PM EST. Phone lines are open from 8AM to 11PM EST on weekdays and 9AM to 8PM EST on weekends and holidays.
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