Example of an IED concealed under the lining of a shoe. This is a training aid. (TSA photo)
PHILADELPHIA -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for high passenger volumes throughout the spring travel period and into summer at airports nationwide including Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). TSA is advising air travelers to arrive at the airport early and prepared for every step of the travel process.
On busy days so far this month, TSA had been screening approximately 2.5 million people per day nationwide.
“Here at Philadelphia International Airport, we also are starting to see a spike in checkpoint volume,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania and Delaware. “Travel volume out of Philadelphia is expected to be high with more than 40,000 individuals coming through our checkpoints on a busy day. Our teams have been in close coordination with airport, airline and travel partners, and we are more than ready to handle this spring and summer’s increased travel volumes,” he said.
“Knowing that travel volume will be high is why it is vital to give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, check in with your airline to check bags and prepare for the security checkpoint. If you find yourself in a checkpoint line, travelers can save time by removing items from their pockets and placing them in a carry-on bag, instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt,” Spero said.
“The best advice that I can offer is to get to the airport well before your ticketed departure time,” said Spero. “We ask that the travelling public do their part in efficient checkpoint screening 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,” he said.
It is important for travelers to come to the airport prepared to go through the security screening process. Passengers need to make sure that there are no prohibited items among their carry-on items. Prohibited items will result in a need for our officers to open and inspect a bag to determine what triggered the alarm. This process takes a few minutes and will slow down someone’s trip through the checkpoint.
TSA’s security procedures are designed to keep travelers safe. The reason that travelers need to remove their shoes is because in December 2001, an individual attempted to ignite explosive devices in his shoes while on a flight. The reason that liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces and must be placed in a clear zip-top bag is because in August 2006, a terrorist plot was uncovered in which liquid explosives were carried on board airplanes traveling to the United States and Canada. The reason that travelers are asked to remove electronics from their carry-on bags is because in October 2010, foreign authorities intercepted two IEDs concealed in printer cartridges. It was determined that the IEDs were intended to detonate during flights to the United States.
When packing, it is recommended to start to pack with an empty bag, so that travelers are well aware of the contents of their bags. Prior to packing that empty bag, individuals can check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. Individuals who are heading to the beach, may wonder how to pack their sunscreen. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.
It is important for individuals who own firearms to remember that they are prohibited to pass through security checkpoints, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers may travel with a firearm, but it must be secured in the passenger’s checked baggage; packed unloaded; locked in a hard-sided case; and declared to the airline when checking in at the airline ticket counter. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their carry-on luggage, TSA will contact local law enforcement to safely unload and take possession of the firearm. Law enforcement may also arrest or cite the passenger, depending on local law. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to $15,000 when weapons are intercepted, and passengers will lose TSA PreCheck® eligibility.
TSA PreCheck® members should make sure that their known traveler number (KTN) is in their airline reservation. It is essential that airline reservations have the passenger’s correct KTN, full name and date of birth so they can receive the program’s benefits. Those who fly with multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of their airline profiles every time they travel. TSA PreCheck passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. TSA’s wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes and less than 30 minutes for standard lanes. Travelers may visit https://www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information about enrolling or renewing in TSA PreCheck and to find enrollment locations and pricing information for all TSA PreCheck enrollment providers.
TSA also reminds travelers that starting on May 7, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or driver’s license to fly within the U.S., make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID. If you are not sure if you have a REAL ID, check with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. For questions on acceptable IDs, visit TSA’s web site.
Travelers can contact TSA with questions may contact TSA by sending a text directly to 275-872 (“AskTSA”) on any mobile device or over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. An automated service is available 24/7.
Passengers who need additional assistance through security screening may request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSA officer who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. Live assistance is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something®.