This is the big kick-off of the summer season! With over 13.5 million travelers projected to fly between May 25 and May 30 this year, we wanted to give you a few tips to help get you to your gate smoothly.
Arrive Early: We’ll have plenty of officers at our checkpoints ready to get you to your gate. Keep in mind there’s always a chance that something could slow things down at the airport, whether it’s looking for parking, at the ticket counter, or at the checkpoint. It’s always best to arrive early and to check in with your carrier about any possible delays or heavier than expected volumes. It’s much less stressful to get to your gate with time to spare, rather than running to your gate moments before it closes.
Remove Electronics Larger Than a Cell Phone: Prior to sending your belongings through the X-ray, be sure to remove all electronics larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bags and place them in a separate bin. This will allow our officers to get a better look at your items and prevent bag checks that can delay you and fellow travelers.
It’s OK to Pack Food and Snacks: Whether you’re eating them at your gate, snacking on the plane, or saving them for your destination, you can bring solid food items along with your carry-on items. We’re talking burgers, chicken, pizza, pies, cakes, bread, donuts, fruits, vegetables, etc. Please know that TSA officers may ask you to separate your food and powder items from your carry-on bags, so be sure to listen and follow the instructions of the TSA officer. As with electronics, this can help reduce clutter so your bag can be checked more quickly.
U.S. Armed Forces May Use TSA Pre✓® At No Cost: All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Reserves and National Guard are entitled to TSA Pre✓® expedited screening at no cost at select airports when flying on participating airlines. Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Air Force Academy are also eligible to receive TSA Pre✓® screening benefits. Use your Department of Defense identification number as your known traveler number when making flight reservations. Accompanying family members ages 12 and under can be processed through expedited screening as well. Learn about TSA Pre✓®.
U.S. Armed Forces members do not need to be in uniform and may use TSA Pre✓® while on personal or official travel. Enter the 10-digit DoD ID number located on the back of your Common Access Card (CAC) as your known traveler number when making flight reservations or when updating your Defense Travel System (DTS) profile for official travel. If the number is not on your CAC, you may obtain it by logging on to milConnect. You will find your ID number under the “My Profile” tab. To ensure future airline reservations automatically include your DoD ID number, save it in your DTS profile. You may also save your DoD ID number in any frequent flyer program profile for the participating airlines. Read the TSA Pre✓® military FAQ.
Have a TSA Related Question Before You Fly? AskTSA: We have a team of TSA employees this weekend who are ready to answer your questions via Twitter at @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger. They look forward to answering your questions 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. If you don’t like all this newfangled technology, you can pick up a phone and call our contact center at 866-289-9673. Federal Relay: 711
Want More Travel Tips?: If you’d like to read more travel tips, you can find them here.
While Memorial Day is seen by many as the official start of summer, there is more to the day than pool openings and cookouts. Having fun with your family and friends is important, but of equal importance is taking a moment to reflect on those who have fought and died for our nation. Read about the history of Memorial Day.
Have a great weekend. Safe travels!
Bob Burns - TSA Social Media
