As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing to handle an increase in travelers departing from Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
For the first time ever, the TSA will likely screen more than 3 million passengers in a single day across the country at some point this summer. Already this month, four of the busiest days have been recorded in the top 10, and more than 2.9 people are expected to be tested at checkpoints across the country this Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day.
“Dulles plans to conduct security screenings for 39,000 passengers on two busy days Thursday and Friday, and 34,000 passengers on the Sunday before Memorial Day. That's an average increase of 12% compared to TSA,” said Scott T. Johnson, TSA's Director of Federal Security. “With the increase in air travel, it is important that passengers are prepared to arrive at the airport early and get through the checkpoint screening process efficiently. All of us at TSA Dulles would like to thank you this Memorial Day weekend and We look forward to your safe travels.”
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the TSA expects to screen about 8,000 more travelers per day over the holiday weekend than it does over a normal weekend, explained John Bush, TSA's federal security director at the airport. That's a 10 percent increase over checkpoint throughput in 2023. “We ask travelers to be aware of the contents of their bags to make sure they don't have any prohibited items in them, so they can move through the checkpoints more smoothly,” Bush said.
TSA continues to introduce new technology at checkpoints to improve security. Therefore, it is important for travelers to listen and follow the instructions of their TSA officers. TSA continues to upgrade all primary screening technologies for identity verification and carry-on baggage screening. Investing in these critical technologies improves security effectiveness. Improved security efficiency. Improve passenger experience. These technologies include computed tomography (CT) and credential authentication technology (CAT or CAT-2). CT machines provide 3D images of the contents of your carry-on baggage at checkpoints. The CAT unit scans the traveler's photo ID and verifies the traveler's identity and flight details. His new generation CAT unit, called CAT-2, has the same functionality, but is also equipped with a camera that takes photos of travelers in real time. CAT-2 compares the traveler's photo on their ID with an in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, the security guard confirms and the traveler is allowed to pass through the checkpoint without having to exchange a boarding pass. The photo will then be deleted. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the face verification process may opt out and select an alternative identity verification process.
TSA is encouraging the traveling public to check in more efficiently by arriving at the airport two hours before their flight's scheduled departure and knowing what they can and cannot pack in their carry-on baggage. We are asking you to perform a point inspection.
TSA reminds passengers to always know what's in your carry-on bag before coming to security. TSA has several resources available to passengers to determine whether an item is allowed in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or both. Travelers can use “Can I Bring?” Features on the TSA website or the myTSA app, which can be downloaded for free. If travelers have questions about their trip or aren't sure if they can pass through security in their carry-on bag, they can tweet or text @AskTSA at 275-872. You can also. Simply take a photo or submit a question for real-time support.
If you're planning a trip this summer, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck®. The popular rapid testing program allows travelers to leave their shoes, jackets and belts on and leave electronic devices and their 3-1-1 bags in their carry-on luggage. A youth between the ages of 13 and 17 may travel with a parent or guardian who is enrolled in TSA PreCheck when traveling on the same reservation and if her TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the youth's boarding pass. You can undergo TSA PreCheck inspection. Children age 12 and under may be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian at any time through the TSA PreCheck lane without restriction.
This summer is also a great time to get your REAL ID driver's license. There's only one year left until your REAL ID expires. If you plan to fly within the United States using a state-issued ID or license after May 7, 2025, make sure it is REAL ID compliant.
Travellers should also keep the following tips in mind while travelling:
Do not attempt to bring a firearm into a TSA checkpoint. Doing so would compromise the safety and security of other passengers and personnel at the checkpoint. Passengers who attempt to pass through a checkpoint with a firearm may be subject to civil penalties (up to a $15,000 fine) and may be disqualified from TSA PreCheck. In addition, local law enforcement will be notified and these passengers will be subject to enhanced screening as they may pose additional risks beyond firearms. Let's go to the airport early. Travelers should arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled domestic flight and 3 hours before their scheduled international flight. Roads near the airport are expected to be congested. It will take more time to find an available parking space at the airport. Airline check-in counters will be crowded. This is before you arrive at the security checkpoint. If you're waiting in a security lane, make the most of your time. This is the perfect time to remove items from your pockets and place them in your carry-on bag. This is also the time to take out your ID and boarding pass so you don't have to dig through your wallet to find it when you step up to the TSA travel document screening desk. Know before you go. From firearms to oversized liquids, travelers need to know what they can and cannot put in their carry-on luggage. If a carry-on item raises an alarm, passengers will spend more time at security checkpoints. This is because TSA must resolve the alarm by opening your carry-on bag and determining what set off the alarm. Use her TSA tools for resources. TSA offers several ways for travelers to check whether an item will be allowed in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or neither. She also said TSA has launched a new, higher level of assistance for travelers who have questions about airport security screening procedures. Airline passengers can now send text messages to “AskTSA” (275-872) using any mobile her device. A virtual assistant is available to her 24/7. For more complex questions, @AskTSA staff is available on Twitter and Facebook Messenger from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The TSA website has a feature on the homepage called “What can I bring?” Enter the product name and it will tell you whether it needs to be packed in checked baggage or carry-on baggage. The same useful features are available in the free downloadable MyTSA app. The MyTSA app gives users 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. This includes a searchable database that indicates whether an item can be packed in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or both. . The app also lets you check delay information and current weather conditions for your favorite airports across the country.
Bring valid identification. Before heading to the airport, travelers should make sure they have valid identification. Remember, REAL IDs expire in less than a year. Request passenger assistance. Travelers with disabilities or medical conditions, or family members of passengers, can call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before departure with questions about screening procedures and security checkpoint accommodations. TSA Cares also arranges checkpoint assistance for travelers with special needs. Do not leave suitcases, roller bags, laptop bags, shopping bags, backpacks, or other items unattended. Also, alert airport personnel if you see something left behind. If you see something, say something®.
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