Burlington, Vt. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Burlington International Airport (BTV) are preparing for a busy travel season this summer, as BTV anticipates a more than 16 percent increase in the number of passengers screened this season.
Last summer, TSA screened nearly 126,000 passengers and crew during the same period, which included some of the busiest days of the year.
To support this busy season, TSA and BTV officials have been working together to ensure we are fully staffed for the summer.
“Arriving two hours early and packing smart can save travelers time and helps our officers do their job,” said Bruce McDonald, TSA federal security director for Vermont. “As we enter the busiest summer travel period in recent years, we encourage passengers to familiarize themselves with TSA rules ahead of their trip.”
“This week, and the reminder of the summer into early fall, we’re expecting 50-75 percent more people traveling through BTV. That’s approximately 6,000 to 8,000 more customers per week who will need to park, obtain their ticket, and be screened by TSA. If you are traveling this summer, it is critical that you arrive at minimum two hours early to begin your journey,” said Gene Richards, director of aviation for the Burlington International Airport.
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 this summer:
- Prohibited items: Always check personal belongings/carry-ons for prohibited items before going to the airport.
- Arrive early: 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 smart: 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.
BTV would like to remind passengers that the parking garage is currently in the process of having improvements made, while this is a good thing for all travelers it does mean a number of spaces are blocked off. Please plan to head towards the top levels of the garage and, again, arrive at least two hours early!
For additional travel tips, read “TSA’s 5 Essential Summer Travel Tips” and follow @AskTSA and @TSA on Twitter and Facebook.