BOISE, Idaho – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Sunday, July 14, 2024, screened a record 9,503 people through the security checkpoint at Boise Airport (BOI). This single day record surpassed the previous record set on Sunday, July 7, 2024, when 9,467 people were screened.
This summer, TSA security checkpoints have been busy at airports nationwide. TSA set a single day record nationally on Sunday, July 7, 2024, when 3,013,413 people were screened. Due to the sustained high passenger volumes locally and nationally, TSA continues to advise air travelers to arrive at the airport early and prepared for every step of the travel process.
During the first six months of 2024, TSA officers at BOI have screened nearly 1.3 million departing travelers. This is 6.1% increase from the same period last year when TSA officers screened around 1,224,000 people at BOI. During the 12 months of 2023, TSA at BOI screened about 2,611,000 departing travelers through the airport’s security checkpoints.
“The growth at BOI in recent months has been exceptional. In close partnership with the airport and airlines, we have been able to maintain the efficiency of our security operations despite the highest passenger volumes ever at BOI,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho Andy Coose.
TSA is also reminding travelers to avoid bringing items in their carry-on and checked luggage that are not allowed to travel on a commercial aircraft. Over the past few days, TSA officers have discovered multiple prohibited items, many of which are used for camping and other outdoor activities. Those items include:
- Canister of propane camping fuel (8 ounces) discovered at 4:40 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024.
- Three axes in traveler’s discovered at 5:43 a.m. on Monday, July, 15, 2024
- Canister of propane camping fuel (3.5 ounces) discovered at 4:36 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024
- Canister of propane camping fuel (3.5 ounces) discovered at 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024
- Can of butane (14.5 ounces) discovered at 6:05 a.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024
- Canister of propane camping fuel (13.1 ounces) discovered at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024
- Canister of propane camping fuel (7.75 ounces) discovered at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024
All of these items were discovered in checked baggage with the exception of the three axes. Those were discovered in a carry-on bag during routine X-ray screening at the security checkpoint.
TSA officers also discovered a stun gun in the carry-on luggage of a traveler on Sunday around 5:20 a.m. Stun Guns can be transported on an aircraft in checked luggage and must be packed in a manner that renders the device inoperable from accidental discharge. Note that many of these devices are manufactured with lithium batteries.
There is no indication that any of these incidents are related. All of the travelers voluntarily abandoned the items to TSA and were allowed to continue on their travels.
“We have said it before and we will say it again. TSA is asking all travelers to know what is in your checked and carry-on luggage to ensure that you are not bringing prohibited items to the airport,” said TSA Idaho FSD Coose. “With a record number of people traveling, we all need to do our part and share in the responsibility to keep security operations running smoothly and efficiently.”
Final advice from TSA
Here are some tips to help all travelers have a smooth trip through the security checkpoint at any airport:
- Arrive at the airport early and prepared. Allow ample time to park, navigate to the terminal, check luggage and proceed through the TSA security screening checkpoint. Keep in mind that most flights board 30 - 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
- Be prepared for any scenario. In the security checkpoint, have your photo identification and boarding pass ready. This will keep you from slowing down the screening process for you and everyone behind you.
- Listen to directions provided by TSA officers. The advisements are specific to the type of screening you will experience. The information given will make your screening experience quicker and smoother.
- Pack smart. Always start with an empty bag to ensure you don’t inadvertently bring prohibited items to the security checkpoint. Place electronics larger than a cell phone and travel size liquids at the top of your carry-on so they can be easily accessed if you are required to remove them. Also, be sure that all liquids are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less if transporting them through the security checkpoint.
- Get assistance prior to traveling. Ensure that carry-ons do not contain prohibited items since they slow down the security screening process. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “What Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to snap a picture of an item and send it to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Travelers can also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).