Travelers enter the security checkpoint at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. (TSA photo)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared to handle an increase in the number of travelers who will be flying out of Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and airports nationwide.
“We are ready to handle the expected increase in travelers who are flying out of Rochester this summer,” said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for 13 airports in Upstate New York. “I would ask that the travelling public do their part by arriving to the airport two hours prior to their scheduled flight departure and know what they can – and cannot pack – in their carry-on luggage so the security officers at the checkpoint can focus on the real threat to aviation,” he said.
“To assist the officers at the checkpoint, TSA has secured some new technologies at the checkpoint to enhance security,” Johnson said. “We have new computed tomography scanners that allow us to get a detailed 3-D image of the contents of carry-on bags. This new technology enables travelers to leave their electronics inside their carry-on bags and leave their 3-1-1 liquids inside as well, which is a convenience for travelers.”
Security officers across the country are screening more than 2 million people daily, which is a significant increase from last year. During the first quarter of 2023, officers screened more than 191 million passengers at security checkpoints nationwide, compared to about 158 million screened in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 20.4 percent.
Individuals who are planning to travel this summer should consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck®. The popular expedited screening program allows travelers to leave on their shoes, jackets, belts and enables them to keep their electronics and 3-1-1 bags in their carry-on bags.
TSA just announced that teenagers aged 13-17 may now accompany their TSA PreCheck-enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian when traveling through the TSA PreCheck lanes anytime without restriction.
TSA reminds passengers to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app. Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.
Travelers should also keep these tips in mind while traveling:
- Do not attempt to bring a firearm through a TSA checkpoint; doing so compromises the safety and security of other passengers and our officers in the checkpoint. Passengers who do attempt to bring a firearm through a checkpoint can expect to receive a civil penalty (fines may be as high as $15,000) and lose eligibility for TSA PreCheck. Additionally, local law enforcement will be called and because these passengers may present additional risk beyond the firearm, they will receive enhanced screening.
- Beyond firearms, there are other items that are not permitted in the checkpoint. These include explosives, flammables, knives, razors and replica weapons. To see if an item is prohibited, check the TSA website under “What Can I Bring?” Prepare for security when packing for your trip and be aware of what can go in carry-on or checked bags to ensure there are no prohibited items. If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it is subject to the 3.4-ounce limitation. As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the TSA checkpoint.
- Bring an acceptable ID. Before heading to the airport, travelers should make sure they have acceptable identification.
- Request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to travel with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs.