BOISE, Idaho - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Boise Airport (BOI) is ready for a busy summer travel season, projecting it will screen an average of, 6,500 departing passengers a day between now and Labor Day 2018, a 10 percent increase over last summer.
Factors that have contributed to the growth include the addition of Frontier Airlines offering service from BOI and Alaska Airlines operating larger aircraft, including Boeing 737s, on some routes. Overall, TSA at BOI expects to screen more than half a million passengers through the security checkpoint during the summers months.
To help travelers plan for their travels, TSA projects the busiest days of the week will be Thursdays and Fridays followed by Sundays and Mondays. The busiest times at the security checkpoint are 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and again noon to 2 p.m. daily. Summer traffic growth begins in early June with the peak of this year’s summer travel season coming in mid-August.
Nationwide, TSA expects to see a four percent increase in the number of passengers screened through its security checkpoints this summer. In order to handle the increased passenger volume on peak travel days, TSA locally and nationwide will be fully staffed, offering additional hours and overtime to TSA officers.
Passengers play an important role in the security process. By being prepared, they can simplify their travel experience and have a significant impact on security checkpoint operations. Here are some helpful TSA tools and travel tips:
- Unpack your bag before you pack it. By unpacking your bag fully at home, you will avoid bringing items to the airport that are not allowed past the security checkpoint. Common prohibited items passengers bring include anything with a blade and liquids and gels over 100 ml.
- Don’t overstuff your bag. Cluttered bags can take more time to screen since TSA officers need to get a clear view of the contents of the bag during the X-ray process. Avoid this delay and consider checking your bag when feasible. One way to reduce clutter in your carry-on is to wrap charging cords and cables.
- Remove electronics larger than a cell phone from carry-on bag. New carry-on baggage screening procedures are in place in general screening lanes at all airports across the country including BOI. The procedures require travelers to place all electronic devices larger than a cell phone – including tablets, e-readers and cameras - in bins for X-ray screening when going through the security checkpoint. The electronics should be placed in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for several years.
- Remove 3-1-1 bag from carry-on. Travelers should remove their one-quart bag containing liquids, gels and aerosols in quantities of less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces) from their carry-on bag. Place the bag in a bin by itself for X-ray screening. Removing electronics and liquids from the carry-on allows TSA officers to obtain a clearer view of them on the X-ray screen.
- Tweet or Message “AskTSA.” Issues with receiving TSA Pre✓®? Unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag? Get real-time assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, every day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT.
- Call TSA Cares. Travelers or families of travelers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint, as well as to arrange for assistance at the checkpoint. It is recommended to call at least 72 hours prior to traveling.
Travelers should know that the Boise Airport’s Economy Parking Lot is open through August 31, 2018, in order to handle overflow traffic during the busy summer travel season. This lot, located off Victory Road near Orchard Street, has a daily parking fee of $7.50. A free shuttle to the airport terminal is available 24/7, departing every 15 minutes.