Agency projects it will screen a record
number of travelers this summer, emphasizes readiness in the
transportation ecosystem with airport, airline and travel
partners
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is
prepared for the highest passenger volumes the agency has seen at
airport security checkpoints nationwide during this summer's travel
season, which begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor
Day. TSA forecasts Friday, May 24, to
be the busiest travel day of the long Memorial Day weekend,
anticipating nearly three million passengers. From May 23 to May 29, the agency expects to screen
more than 18 million passengers and crew, representing a checkpoint
volume increase of approximately 6.4% compared to the same period
in 2023.
"In close coordination with airport, airline and travel
partners, we are more than ready to handle this summer's increased
travel volumes," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "We are also 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."
TSA is continuing to modernize airport security checkpoints
across the country with a focus on enhanced detection methods to
best secure the aviation system. This summer, airline passengers
can expect to encounter some of those latest checkpoint
technologies and recommends several important travel tips. These
include:
Tip 1: Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA
guidance. TSA is using the second generation of Credential
Authentication Technology (CAT-2), which features the same
capabilities as the CAT, confirming the authenticity of a
passenger's identification credentials with their acceptable photo
identification credential along with their flight details and
pre-screening status, but with an added camera feature. The
passenger may voluntarily agree to have a real-time photo taken of
them to verify their identity using their TSA-acceptable
identification credential. The facial recognition technology TSA
utilizes helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the
same person pictured on their ID. Keep your boarding pass tucked
away. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has
been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation
of the effectiveness of the technology. Passengers who do not want
their photo taken may ask the Transportation Security Officer (TSO)
for a manual ID check without penalty and losing their place in
line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition
technology, see TSA's Privacy Impact Assessments, Fact
Sheet and biometrics technology webpages.
Several airports have installed Computed Tomography
(CT) units. These units significantly improve scanning and
threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags. CT units give TSOs
the ability to review a 3D image of passengers' bags and reduce the
need to physically search the contents of the bag. Passengers
screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove
their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they must place every carry-on
item, including bags, into a bin for screening. Passengers are also
reminded to bring at maximum one carry-on bag and one personal item
through security screening.
To date, TSA has deployed 2,050 CAT units to 223 airports. Among
those, 238 CAT units represent the second generation (CAT-2)
technology and are located in 84 airports nationwide. Additionally,
TSA has deployed more than 820 CT
units to more than 240 airports nationwide.
Screening protocols may vary from airport to airport depending
on available technology and the current threat environment, so it
is important for passengers to follow the TSO's directions.
Tip 2: Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and
declare. Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in
the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an
aircraft, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in
a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers may travel with a
firearm, but it must be secured in the passenger's checked baggage;
packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the
airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter.
TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. If a passenger brings
a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their
carry-on luggage, the TSO will contact local law enforcement to
safely unload and take possession of the firearm. Law enforcement
may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law. TSA
may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000, and for the first offense, passengers
who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA
PreCheck® eligibility for five years. Second
violations will result in permanent disqualification from the
program and additional civil penalties.
Tip 3: Pack an empty bag, know before you go, and
remember the 3-1-1 rule. When airline passengers begin packing
for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at
the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to
packing that empty bag, check TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool
to know what is prohibited. If you're heading to the beach, you may
wonder how to pack your sunscreen. Any liquids, sunscreen
containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a
checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are
allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less
and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one
quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.
Tip 4: Make sure you have a REAL ID or another
acceptable ID. Adult passengers 18 years and older must show
valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to
use your state-issued ID or driver's license to fly within the
U.S., make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of
ID. If you are not sure if you have a REAL ID, check with your
state department of motor vehicles. For questions on acceptable
IDs, go to TSA.gov.
Tip 5: TSA PreCheck® members: Make sure your
Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your reservation. With nearly
20 million TSA PreCheck members, it is essential that airline
reservations have the passenger's correct KTN, full name and date
of birth so they can truly "Travel with Ease." Those who fly with
multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of
their airline profiles every time they travel. TSA PreCheck
passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes,
belts, 3-1-1 liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA
checkpoint. TSA's wait time standards for TSA PreCheck
lanes are under 10 minutes and under 30 minutes for standard
lanes.
If you are not yet enrolled in TSA PreCheck and appreciate
faster passenger checkpoint screening, we encourage you to enroll
with one of TSA's enrollment providers starting at $77.95 for a five-year membership. Most new
enrollees receive their KTN within three to five days. Members may
renew membership online up to six months prior to expiration
for another five-year term starting at $68.95. Visit TSA PreCheck at
www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information about enrolling or
renewing in TSA PreCheck and to find enrollment locations and
pricing information for all TSA PreCheck enrollment providers.
Tip 6: Give yourself plenty of time. Summer travel will
be busy, so plan ahead! Give yourself plenty of time to park or
return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check
in with your airline and drop your bags and prepare for the
security checkpoint. Save time by removing items from pockets and
placing them in your carry-on bag, instead of putting items
directly into bins at the conveyor belt.
Tip 7: Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline
employees. Violence and unruly behavior in the
transportation system are not acceptable and result in significant
delays at traveler checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline
airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are
working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA
employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or
arrest.
Tip 8: Contact TSA with questions, compliments, complaints or
assistance. Contact TSA by sending a text directly to 275-872
("AskTSA") on any mobile device or over social media by sending a
message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual
assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and
AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated
questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at
866-289-9673. An automated service is available 24/7. Passengers
who need additional assistance through security screening may
request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a
TSO who has received specialized training, including how to
effectively assist and communicate with individuals with
disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional
screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger
assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares
passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance for
both the TCC and TSA Cares is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays
from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See
Something. Say Something®. Those traveling abroad for
the summer should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know
Before You Go page to learn about required documentation. For
those traveling with children this summer, TSA offers kid-friendly
videos for children packing for their upcoming trip.
For additional information about changes to air travel please
see the Department of Transportation's recent announcement.
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SOURCE Transportation Security Administration