NEWARK, New Jersey-- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for holiday travelers planning to fly out of Newark Liberty International, JFK International and LaGuardia airports during the Christmas and New Year holidays, as expected passenger volume to increase during the finale. -travel period of the year.
The TSA has seen a record number of travelers this year and this holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest in history.
"Planning ahead and packing appropriately can ease the TSA security screening process and ease a passenger's travel experience at the airport," said Thomas Carter, TSA Federal Security Director for the airport. "That's why it's important to know what you can bring in your carry-on and/or checked luggage before arriving at the airport."
The most common thing that stops a traveler at a TSA checkpoint is having a prohibited item in their carry-on, so it's important for travelers to "know before you go" by knowing the contents of their carry-on. . and ensure that everything they carry inside can be transported on a flight.
"We are seeing many travelers arriving at our checkpoints with drinks and a variety of knives," Carter said. โIt is important to remember that liquids, gels, sprays and spreads are limited to 3.4 ounces in a clear quart-size bag in carry-on luggage. Finish that bottle of water, energy drink or cup of coffee before you reach the checkpoint. Pack larger shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, and hair gel in a checked bag. As for knives, if you must travel with a knife, pack it in your checked luggage.โ
"We know passengers will travel with gifts, and that's okay," Carter said. โHowever, we strongly recommend that instead of wrapping gifts with paper and tape, you place them in gift bags or boxes with tissue paper. That way, if the item triggers an alarm, our agents can easily resolve it without needing to unwrap the gift.โ
As for the popular baked goods people travel with this time of year, cakes, cookies, pies, brownies and other solid foods are allowed through security. However, some holiday foods, such as preserves, maple syrup, champagne, and eggnog, must be packed in a checked bag.
When a traveler is ready to pack for a trip, TSA recommends starting with an empty bag so the passenger knows for sure what is inside and knows that nothing is prohibited in a side bag, zipper pocket, or bottom pocket. from a bag. . This applies to backpacks, wheeled bags, tote bags, shoulder bags, laptop bags, duffel bags and any other carry-on bags or luggage.
Here are some helpful holiday travel tips.
Tip #1: Get to the airport early
Travelers must arrive a minimum of two hours before their scheduled domestic flights and three hours before their scheduled international flights.
If you find yourself waiting in a security check lane, take advantage of that time. That's the ideal time to take items out of your pockets and put them in a carry-on bag. It's also time to pull out your ID and boarding pass so you don't search for your ID in your wallet when you step up to the TSA travel document screening podium.
Tip #2: Know before you go
Travelers need to know what they can and can't carry in their carry-on bag, from firearms to large liquids. Passengers will spend more time at the security checkpoint if their carry-on items set off an alarm because this results in TSA needing to resolve the alarm by opening the carry-on bag to determine what set off the alarm.
The most common items that travelers bring to the checkpoint that are not allowed through the screening process are liquids, gels and aerosols that exceed the acceptable limit. Each passenger can carry liquids, gels and aerosols of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less through a checkpoint, as long as those items fit in a one-quart resealable bag. This is known as the 3-1-1 bag. Common travel items that must comply liquids rule They include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, body spray, mouthwash, and lotions. Larger containers of liquids, gels and aerosols can be transported in checked baggage. This includes snowballs, which are very popular this time of year.
TSA agents also see travelers arrive at the checkpoint with bottles of water, juice, energy drinks, coffee and soda. TSA agents will give travelers the option to leave security to drink their drinks in the terminal or allow the officer to dispose of them. Travelers can carry empty containers, such as a water bottle or insulated container, through checkpoints and fill them after passing through the checkpoint.
Tip #3: Use TSA Tools for Your Resources
Not sure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, one, or neither? Download the free myTSA appwhich has a practical "What can I bring?" characteristic which allows you to type the element to see if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers can submit a question by texting โTravelโ to AskTSA (275-872).
TSA worries is a helpline that provides additional assistance to travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances during the security screening process. Call 72 hours before travel at 855-787-2227 if you have questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. EITHER email TSA Cares. TSA Cares is available from 8 am to 11 pm ET Monday through Friday and 9 am to 8 pm ET on weekends and holidays.
Tip #4: Travel with gifts
This is the time of year when passengers travel with gifts. TSA recommends packaging gifts in gift bags or boxes rather than wrapping them because if a gift triggers an alarm, it will need to be opened to resolve the alarm. Wrapped gifts that trigger an alarm will need to be unwrapped, but if the gift is in a bag or box, it's much easier for TSA to look at the item to resolve the alarm.
Tip #5: Travel with food
People like to travel with food during the holiday season. Food can be transported on flights. Solid foods like fruit pies, candy canes, and chocolates are solid and can be carried in a carry-on bag. However, liquids and spreads, such as eggnog, wine, champagne, maple syrup, and preserves, are not solids and must be packaged in checked bags. Here's a helpful tip: If you can spill, spread, spray, pump, or pour it and it weighs more than 3.4 ounces, you should pack it in a checked bag.
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