NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for a potential record-breaking day for passengers screened Monday at Nashville International Airport (BNA) as travelers return home from the Country Music Association Fest and Bonnaroo Music Festival.
CMA and Bonnaroo weekend is historically the busiest weekend of the year for TSA at BNA, and this year is no different. TSA expects to screen six percent more passengers this year, compared to the same weekend last year, with the heaviest passenger volumes on Sunday, June 10 and Monday, June 11.
A projected 22,300 passengers are expected through TSA checkpoints on Sunday, and more than 26,500 on Monday. If the projections hold, Monday would break another record for passengers screened at TSA security checkpoints at BNA, most recently set on May 6 with 25,795.
TSA officials at BNA are prepared for the increased volume expected early next week, and will utilize all available resources to provide an efficient and effective screening experience. TSA will supplement staffing with officers from lower volume airports in the region and increase use of explosive detection canines to expedite passengers through the checkpoint. All security checkpoint lanes at BNA will be open and staffed during periods of heaviest volume.
As a reminder, TSA recently completed the roll-out of enhanced screening procedures and there are a few things passengers can do to assist TSA with keeping wait times to a minimum during the busy weekend ahead:
- Arrive early. The increase in travel volume has a wide-ranging effect. Consider incorporating additional time in your travel plans for traffic, parking, rental car returns and airline check-in. TSA recommends arriving up to two hours in advance of a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international flight.
- Always check personal belongings/carry-ons for prohibited items before going to the airport.
- Check with the airlines and airports to determine wait times during peak periods. The MyTSA App is also a great resource to help figure out when you should get to the airport.
- Pack your carry-on so that it can be easily screened. Examples of personal electronic items that should be scanned separately include laptops, tablets, e-readers and cameras. Additionally, TSA may provide instructions to remove items from your bag such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.
For additional travel tips, read “TSA’s 5 Essential Summer Travel Tips” and follow @AskTSA and @TSA on Twitter and Facebook.