IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advised travelers who are planning to depart on flights from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) this spring and summer to arrive early and prepared for every step of the airport travel process including the security screening checkpoint.
Departing passenger volumes at IDA are expected to increase by more than 70% in April when compared to the same month last year. May is looking to be even busier with a project increase of more than 90% over May 2021 levels. Sustained high passenger volumes are anticipated throughout the spring and summer travel season.
The increase is due to several factors including more people traveling by air following the coronavirus pandemic and increased flight options out of IDA. In addition, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) will be closed starting Monday, April 11, 2022, for scheduled runway reconstruction. This will bring additional travelers who would normally depart from JAC to IDA. This influx will have a significant impact on passenger volumes locally for several weeks. JAC is slated to reopen on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
“IDA has seen significant growth in air travel volumes over the past several months and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. With IDA accommodating passengers who would normally depart JAC, we are anticipating record numbers of people to be screened locally,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho Andy Coose. “TSA has planned for these increases and will ensure that we are fully staffed to provide security screening in the most effective and efficient manner. However, there is no substitute for arriving at IDA early and prepared for the entire travel experience.”
Travel outlook nationally and at IDA
Nationwide, TSA officers are screening an average of 2 million people per day, which is a 65% increase from last year, but still down from pre-pandemic 2019 levels when TSA was screening approximately 2.3 million people per day. Passenger volumes at IDA continue to exceed national trends with travel volumes exceeding pre-pandemic levels due to increased number of available flights and larger aircraft.
The busiest times at the TSA security checkpoint at IDA are 5 a.m. to 8 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The busiest days to travel are Thursdays and Fridays as well as Sundays and Mondays. However, on Tuesdays, due to flight departure schedules, travelers can expect to see sustained high volumes at the security checkpoint from early morning until 10 a.m. The security checkpoint at IDA is open daily no later than 4:30 a.m.
These peaks are driven by the flight departure schedules determined by the airlines. When there is a concentrated number of flight departures over a short period of time, there will be intervals when the number of departing passengers will exceed the capacity of the TSA security checkpoint at IDA.
In addition, some airlines are flying larger aircraft on some routes out of IDA, increasing the number of travelers who need to be screened during peak times. This is why it is essential that travelers arrive early and prepared to allow for completion of every step of the travel process from curb to gate.
Travel advice
To help make the security checkpoint experience smooth for all travelers, please follow these tips:
Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Many people have not traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction given by uniformed TSA officers in the security checkpoint. They may be providing information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske recently announced that the agency’s national Transportation Security Officer (TSO) of the Year for 2021 works at IDA. TSO Margaret Hanson was recognized for her outstanding customer service and commitment to her TSA colleagues and the traveling public. She and the other TSA officers at IDA strive to provide a top-notch screening experience and deliver the highest level of security to all travelers.
Empty your pockets when you get to the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses and other loose items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will reduce touchpoints and ensure items are not left behind.
Follow the rule for traveling with liquids. Gels, liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then it is subject to the liquids restriction rule.
Pack smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags and make sure they are not bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to contact @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to get answers to your travel questions.
Enroll in TSA PreCheck®. Experience a smoother screening process by enrolling in TSA PreCheck®. Eligible travelers do not need to remove shoes, belts, light outerwear, laptops, electronics larger than a cell phone or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage including at IDA.
There is an enrollment center located at 461 May Street in Idaho Falls. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. In March 2022, 94% of travelers eligible for TSA PreCheck waited five minutes or less to be screened at airports nationwide. Another benefit of the program is that children 12 and under are permitted to use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary.
Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Travel volumes at IDA are expected to reach record levels in the coming weeks and months. Extra time may be needed for parking, rental car and airline check-in counters, and at the checkpoint.
Continue to wear a face mask. The federal requirement to wear a mask anywhere in the nation’s transportation system remains in place. TSA will continue to assess the duration of the requirement in consultation with CDC.