SAN DIEGO - With the start of the spring break travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provided an overview of what travelers departing San Diego International Airport (SAN) can expect over the next few weeks.
Nationally, the spring break travel season began on Thursday, March 6 and will continue through Monday, March 24. During this time, TSA projects it will screen more than 50 million travelers through security checkpoints at airports across the country. This is a 5% increase over the 2024 spring break travel period.
Locally, the peak spring break travel period coincides with the schedules of the major local unified school districts as well as the semester break at local colleges and universities. This year, the travel rush at SAN begins Friday, March 14 and extends through Monday, March 31. During this time, TSA expects to screen more than 712,000 departing travelers through the security checkpoints at SAN. This is a 5.0% increase over last year’s spring break travel period at SAN, matching the national projection.
“TSA at SAN has a solid operational plan in place to ensure a smooth spring break travel season,” said TSA Federal Security Director at SAN Kathleen Connon. “Whether you are a local resident or just visiting the San Diego area, our TSA officers will be hard at work, staffing the security checkpoints to ensure a smooth travel experience for all travelers.”
The busiest days of the week for security operations at SAN are Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The busiest times at the security checkpoint are 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The projected busiest days this spring break period will be Thursday, March 27; Friday, March 28 and Sunday, March 30.
Due to several flights departing SAN early in the morning, travelers can expect to encounter large numbers of people who need to be screened first thing in the morning. However, travelers can expect to see a steady flow of travelers at the security checkpoints throughout the day.
TSA strives to get travelers through the general security screening process in less than 30 minutes and through TSA PreCheck® screening in less than 10 minutes. Ninety-nine percent of TSA PreCheck passengers nationwide waited less than five minutes to be screened. Another advantage of TSA PreCheck is children 17 and under are eligible to be screened with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary.
Travel advice
TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepared for the screening experience to allow for timely completion of every step of the travel process. To help things go smoothly, please follow these tips:
#1: Pack smart.
Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in carry-on luggage. Bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint will result in a bag check, slowing the screening process for you and all travelers behind you.
#2: Empty your pockets prior to arriving in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys and coins from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind and they won’t alarm the security screening equipment.
#3: Know the rules for traveling with liquids
TSA defines a liquid as anything that can be spread, spilled, pumped or poured. If the quantity exceeds 3.4 ounces (which is 100 ml), pack it in a checked bag. This time of year, TSA officers frequently encounter sunscreen, lotions and drinks brought by travelers in carry-on luggage. Any of these items over 3.4 ounces in a carry-on bag will result in a bag check.
#4: Listen for guidance from TSA officers.
Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. TSA officers provide guidance on security technologies in use at SAN. Listen up for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience!
#5. Text TSA.
TSA now offers assistance via text message to travelers who have with questions about security screening via text message. From any mobile device, a travel can text their request to “AskTSA” (275-872). A virtual assistant is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more complicated questions, AskTSA staff are available daily for live assistance from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. PDT. Passengers may still reach out to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger with questions and comments.
# 6: Download the free myTSA app.
The myTSA app is a trusted source for last-minute travel questions, providing travelers with 24-hour access to the most frequently requested airport security information. It also features a searchable “Can I Bring” database where you can enter the name of an item and find out if you should pack it in your checked or carry-on bag. The app is available from the App Store or Google Play.