BOSTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is preparing for a busy summer. On the busiest days at BOS, TSA officers have been screening around 67,400 people a day. On April 14, 2023, TSA officers screened more than 71,500 people. TSA anticipates seeing 70k plus passengers at times throughout the summer at BOS, so passengers should be prepared for large crowds during peak travel times.
“Daily passenger volumes are on the rise at BOS and our officers continue doing a great job ensuring passengers are efficiently processed through screening to reach their destination safely,” said Bob Allison, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Massachusetts. “To help expedite the screening process, passengers should have their IDs ready to present to the TSA officer.
This summer passengers flying out of BOS may encounter Computed Tomography x-ray scanners. These 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, laptops or other electronics.
Passengers flying out of BOS also play an important role in the security process. By being prepared, passengers can help simplify their travel experience. Here are some more 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 BOS 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.
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 May, nearly 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes.
On Monday, the agency announced that teenagers aged 13-17 may now accompany 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.
The summer travel season begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through and beyond Labor Day weekend.
For additional information about security screening or more travel tips before a summer trip, visit TSA.gov.