PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The number of passengers flying through T.F. Green Airport Airport this holiday season won’t reach 2019 holiday travel numbers, however passenger volume is expected to increase during the end-of-year holiday travel season.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are screening more than 1,100 passengers on an average day at T.F. Green, so on the busiest days during the end-of-year holiday season, it is important for passengers to plan ahead and arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure to account for traffic, parking and navigating through the terminal. It is also advisable to check-in for a flight ahead of time, either on the air carrier’s website or mobile app, to allow even more time to get through security and relax at the gate.
TSA checkpoints at T.F. Green will be fully staffed to move travelers efficiently through the screening process to maintain short lines and manage social distancing.
To prepare travelers for the new checkpoint experience, TSA launched the “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign earlier this year. The campaign details proactive and protective measures TSA has implemented at security checkpoints. These measures have made the screening process at T.F. Green safer for passengers and TSA’s workforce by reducing the potential of exposure to the coronavirus
While TSA concentrates on safety and aviation security, passengers can assist by coming to the airport prepared. Below are some travel tips to make the security checkpoint experience go smoothly during the holidays – and throughout the year:
- Passengers traveling with holiday gifts should use gift bags or plan to wrap the gifts upon arrival instead of traveling with pre-wrapped gifts. If TSA officials are unable to determine that the contents of a wrapped gift are safe for a flight, the wrapping paper will need to be removed. Placing presents in gift bags make it much easier for TSA officers to peek inside to ensure that there is nothing prohibited being brought onto an airplane.
- Sign up for TSA PreCheck® for a stress-free journey. TSA PreCheck® travelers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids or food.
- Contact TSA to find out what can go in a checked or carry-on bag. Reach out to @AskTSA on social media. Questions about what can be carried through a security checkpoint can be answered if the question is tweeted to @AskTSA or sent via Facebook Messenger. @AskTSA is staffed weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
- Or visit www.tsa.gov any time of the day or night to access the “What Can I Bring?” feature.
- Download the free MyTSA app. The best thing about it is the “Can I bring” feature. Type in an item and it lets you know immediately if you should pack it in a checked or carry-on bag. It also can let you know if there is an airport delay and whether TSA PreCheck® lanes are available.
- Contact 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.