PORTLAND, Maine – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) throughout Maine airports is preparing for a busy summer travel season. Last year, August was the busiest summer travel month for Maine airports. TSA anticipates passenger volumes in Maine this August will match and probably exceed those of last year.
Nationwide TSA officers are currently screening nearly 2.4 million people daily, which is an increase from July 2022, when TSA screened about 2.1 million daily.
TSA officers at Portland Jetport (PWM) on their busiest days are currently screening about 4,900 people a day, however, TSA expects that number to rise in August. At Bangor International (BGR) TSA is currently screening approximately 1,500 people a day and expects that number to rise as well.
“Daily passenger volumes at TSA checkpoints throughout Maine are getting busier every week. Our Maine airport security checkpoints have highly-trained security professionals and new technologies that enhance security and reduce physical contact,” said Oscar De Los Reyes, TSA Federal Security Director for Maine. “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."
Passengers play an important role in 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.
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: Follow Transportation Security Officer (TSO) guidance. Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided by our officers at the security checkpoint. There may be information on new technologies that helps reduce touchpoints or an officer may redirect passengers to ensure we keep people moving through the screening process.
Tip 5: 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 6: 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. In April, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers in the nation? waited less than 5 minutes.
On May 22, TSA announced Teenagers age 17 and under 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.
Portland Jetport and Bangor International officials along with TSA recommend arriving at their airline ticket counter two hours before flight departure.
For those traveling with children this summer, TSA offers kid-friendly videos for children packing for their upcoming trip. For additional information about security screening or more travel tips before a summer trip, visit TSA.gov.
TSA Maine will hold a hiring event on Wednesday, July 19 at the Doubletree by Hilton Portland from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
The summer travel season runs through and beyond Labor Day weekend.