MINNEAPOLIS — Hitting the sky for a getaway adventure this summer? It should come as no surprise, you'll have plenty of company.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for what is expected to be the busiest summer travel season in U.S. history starting with the extended Memorial Day weekend, when more than 18 million passengers and crew members are expected to be screened. Traffic will peak Friday, May 24, when TSA anticipates screening 3 million people.
Checkpoint volume for the extended holiday weekend should be up nearly 6.5 percent over 2023.
“In close coordination with airport, airline and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are also continuing to deploy state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness, efficiency and enhances the passenger experience and our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they’ve ever been.”
While TSA improves both safety and efficiency at security checkpoints, they emphasize that travelers also play a role in making for a smooth experience. Here are some things the agency says you can do to make checkpoints more hassle-free.
Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow TSA guidance
Facial recognition technology TSA utilizes helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID. Keep your boarding pass tucked away. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology. Passengers who do not want their photo taken may ask the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) for a manual ID check without penalty and losing their place in line.
Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare
Firearms are prohibited at security checkpoints, in the secure area of an airport and in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, 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.
TSA does not confiscate or seize firearms. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint on their person or in their carry-on luggage, the agency 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 almost $15,000, and for the first offense, passengers who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck eligibility for five years. Second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program and additional civil penalties.
Pack an empty bag, know before you go, and remember the 3-1-1 rule
When airline passengers begin packing for travel with a bag or suitcase that has been COMPLETELY emptied, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited. If you’re heading to the beach, you may wonder how to pack your sunscreen. 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.
Make sure you have a REAL ID or another acceptable ID
Adult passengers 18 years and older must show valid ID credentials at the airport checkpoint to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, 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 yours is a REAL ID, check with your state DMV. For questions on acceptable IDs, go to TSA.gov.
Give yourself plenty of time
Summer travel will be busy, so give yourself plenty of time to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle, check in with your airline, drop your bags and prepare to get through the security checkpoint. Save time by removing items from pockets and placing them in your carry-on bag instead of putting items directly into bins at the conveyor belt.
Respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees
Disrespectful, violent or unruly behavior in the transportation system are unacceptable and will result in significant delays at checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.
Traveling with children? The TSA has videos created just for kiddos to help them understand the security process and reduce anxiety and fear.
For more on summer travel and what you may encounter, check out the TSA website.
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