WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Bradley International Airport (BDL) is prepared for a busy summer travel season. TSA anticipates passenger volumes at BDL could match and possibly exceed those of 2019.
Nationwide TSA officers are currently screening approximately 2.2 million people daily, which is an increase from June 2021, when TSA screened about 1.9 million daily.
“Daily passenger volumes at BDL are growing every week. Our security checkpoints have highly-trained security professionals and new technologies that enhance security and reduce physical contact,” said William Csontos, TSA Federal Security Director for Connecticut. “To help expedite the screening process, we ask that passengers have their ID out and ready to either present to the TSA officer or to insert into the Credential Authentication Technology machine.”
Recent security enhancements at airport screening checkpoints include two new technologies. TSA has deployed Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. CAT machines improve identification verification, and in some airports, enable digital identification verification at the Travel Document Checker podium. To date, TSA has deployed more than 1,600 CAT units to 173 airports, including five machines at BDL.
The CT units provide TSA officers the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce the need to search the bag’s contents. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 bag or electronics. TSA has deployed 387 CT units to 160 airports nationwide, including two at BDL. TSA has eight more CT scanners scheduled for install at BDL in December 2022.
Passengers also play an important role in expediting the security process. By being prepared, they can simplify their travel experience. Here are some helpful TSA tools and travel tips:
Tip 1: Pack smart; start with empty bags. Airline passengers who pack for travel with empty bags are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Technology and modifications help reduce the need for physical contact with TSA officers, but those who take time to come prepared for the TSA checkpoint are far more likely to avoid delay and physical contact. Check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.
Tip 2: Know before you go. Airports, like highways, have high traffic surges. Plan to arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in, check bags and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate. At the TSA checkpoint, have a valid ID card readily available and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less, with the exception of hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage.
Tip 3: Contact TSA for help if there are questions or concerns. Travelers can get live assistance by tweeting questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. TSA Cares, a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances can be reached by calling TSA Cares at 855-787-2227, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tip 4: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck® to “Travel with Ease.” By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, airline passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. Most new enrollees receive their known traveler number within three to five days, and membership lasts for five years. The application center at Bradley International Airport is conveniently located in the baggage claim area. In April, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers in the nation? waited less than 5 minutes.
Tip 5: Face masks are optional, but recommended. The CDC recommends face masks for passengers aged two and older in indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs as an effective precaution for those who seek to avoid exposure to COVID in higher risk public spaces. CDC provides heath recommendations for domestic travel during COVID-19 and for international travel on its website at CDC.gov.
Bradley International Airport officials and TSA recommend arriving at their airline ticket counter 90 minutes before flight departure.
The summer travel season runs through and beyond Labor Day weekend.
For additional information about security screening or more travel tips before a summer trip, visit TSA.gov.