MINNEAPOLIS — The holiday rush is on at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Because so many people will be clogging the security checkpoints, TSA advises people who are traveling to show up at least two hours before their flight. You'll need plenty of time to check-in, be screened at security and get to your boarding area.
TSA at MSP Airport said that it expects a five percent increase in travelers from last year. That's similar to its nationwide prediction of a six percent increase in travelers.
MSP is projecting that it will screen more than 42,000 people both on Friday and Saturday, and up to 45,000 on Wednesday, Dec. 26. Wednesday is expected to be a busy travel day for those returning to Minnesota.
"During the holiday season, TSA encounters many people who don’t travel frequently and are they unfamiliar with many of the security screening protocols that are in place," Lorie Dankers, spokeswoman for the TSA, said.
To combat the clogs, TSA will be fully staffed at MSP. It will even use overtime to extend officers' shifts. Also, TSA reminds travelers that they will be using unseen forms of airport security as well.
Here is a list of tips that TSA provides to ensure a quick and easy holiday trip:
1. Unpack - then repack - your luggage at home
This tip is meant to help passengers avoid bringing prohibited items to the airport. You can use the "What Can I Bring" feature on the TSA.gov website to check if your items are prohibited or click here.
2. Dress for security screening
Don't wear bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories and large belt buckles if you want to avoid a TSA hassle. These items are likely to require extra screening. Also, consider wearing slip-on shoes so you can take them off and put them back on easily. Remember to empty your pockets as well.
3. Use gift bags instead of wrapping presents
If you have a wrapped gift and it makes the security alarms go off, a TSA officer may have to unwrap it. If you use gift bags, you can avoid having to re-wrap for any reason.
4. Put liquid foods in your checked bag
Foods that count as liquids include jams, sauces and gravies. Quantities under 3.4 ounces are fine in your carry-on, but everything else will need to be checked.
5. Make sure electronics are accessible in your carry-on
Cell phones, tablets and laptops should be easy to grab for when it's your turn to put them in a bin for X-ray screening.
6. Tell an officer if you have medically-necessary liquids and medical devices
All liquids and medical accessories, like freezer packs, IV bags, pumps and syringes, should be placed in a bin for X-ray screening. Take out medical devices that are electronic and put those in a bin, too.
If you have any more questions for TSA, you can ask them on Twitter using its account @AskTSA or click here.
For questions specific to travelers with disabilities or medical conditions, call the TSA Cares help line at 855-787-2227. It is recommended to call at least 72 hours ahead of time.
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