SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Burlington International Airport (BTV) is prepared for a busy summer travel season. TSA anticipates that daily average summer passenger volumes at BTV could match and possibly exceed those of 2019.
Since the start of the 2022 summer travel season, TSA officers at BTV have been screening about 2,100 people a day. However, TSA expects to screen closer to or more than pre-pandemic screening numbers, when they were screening 2,300 people per day in June 2019.
“Daily passenger volumes at TSA checkpoints at BTV are getting busier every week. Our security checkpoints have highly-trained security professionals and new technologies that enhance security and reduce physical contact,” said Chuck Woyat, TSA Federal Security Director for Vermont. “To help expedite the screening process, we ask that passengers have their IDs and boarding passes out and ready to present to the TSA officer or to insert into the Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machine.”
Recent security enhancements at airport screening checkpoints across the country also include Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. To date, TSA has deployed 432 CT units to 165 airports nationwide, including one at BTV. However, starting July 4, TSA will install four more CT units at security checkpoints in the newly renovated portion of the airport, which is due to open in early Autumn.
The CT units provide TSA officers the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and simplify the search of the bag’s contents. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 bag or electronics.
BTV passengers also play an important role in the security process. By being prepared, passengers can help 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 and construction delays. Plan to arrive at BTV two hours prior 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: Secure items in your carry-on not in bins. When removing items from pockets such as phones, keys, lip balm, tissues and loose change, travelers should secure those items into their carry-on bags instead of placing them in bins. This saves time, reduces stress and is more sanitary.
Tip 4: 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 5: 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. Throughout the month of June, 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes.
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.