EXCITED for your summer travels? Buckle up because everyone else does too.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned that this year will be the “busiest summer travel season ever.”
The season will begin Memorial Day weekend and end on Labor Day.
From May 23 to 29, the agency expects to screen more than 18 million passengers and crew.
The estimate is an increase of around 6.4% compared to the same weekend in 2023.
Those planning to travel over Memorial Day weekend should avoid leaving on Friday, which the TSA expects to be the busiest day.
“In close coordination with the airport, airline and travel partners, we are more than ready to handle the increased volume of travel this summer,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
“We also continue to deploy cutting-edge checkpoint technology that increases security effectiveness and efficiency and improves the passenger experience.
“Our retention and recruitment numbers are the highest they’ve ever been.”
The TSA shared some travel tips passengers can follow to get the best experience possible.
First, travelers should be aware of new checkpoint technologies.
TSA will utilize an updated version of credential authentication technology that will confirm the authenticity of passenger identification credentials with a camera feature.
Along with flight details and pre-screening status, travelers may be asked to voluntarily take a photo of themselves in real time to verify their identities.
Those who do not want their photo taken can ask the Transportation Security Officer for a manual ID check without losing their place in line.
Many airports have also upgraded their systems with CT scanning units.
These CT scanning units have improved scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags, reducing the need to physically search luggage.
Travelers screened at lanes with CT scanning units can leave their liquids and laptops in their bags.
However, they will still be required to place their bags in a bin for proper screening.
TSA has deployed more than 820 CT units at more than 240 airports nationwide.
The TSA also encourages those traveling with firearms to prepare appropriately by securing them in their checked baggage, packing them unloaded, locking them in a hard-shell case, and declaring them to the airline at check-in. airline.
As always, the 3-1-1 rule applies to liquids. Any liquids, sunscreens and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag.
Liquids are permitted in carry-on bags as long as they are 3.4 ounces or less and placed in a quart-sized bag, with each passenger limited to one quart-sized bag.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
