How to Get Through the TSA Line Quickly During Thanksgiving Travel

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expected to screen more than 18 million people at airports nationwide between Tuesday and Monday, Dec. 2. The increase in passengers represents a 6% increase over last year during Thanksgiving travel. season.

TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein urged travelers to get to the checkpoint early.

“You’re not the only one who wants to fly for vacation, as we’ve pointed out, and so we recommend showing up at the airport two hours before your scheduled flight,” Farbstein recommended.

Before claiming your place in the security line, remove all items from your pockets and put them in your carry-on bag. This includes cell phones, keys, wallets and other items you don’t want to lose in the trash.

Farbstein advised starting with an empty bag with packaging.

“Before I go on a trip, I throw it away. Throw it away. Start with an empty purse, an empty backpack, all those zippered pockets, all those velcro pockets, then start from scratch. That way you know for sure there’s nothing forbidden inside,” she said.

So far in 2024, TSA has arrested 24 passengers with a gun packed in their carry-on bag at Richmond International Airport alone, according to a press release.

The TSA said their latest arrest, on Sept. 1, involved a Newport News man with a 9mm handgun loaded with 22 bullets, including one in the chamber.

The federal agency urged passengers to download the TSA app with their rules and regulations in order to pass through the security line without problems.

Farbstein noted that many passengers travel with food during the Thanksgiving holiday season.

“We know that people traveling for Thanksgiving often want to contribute to the Thanksgiving table or provide a host or hostess gift upon arrival. It’s very common to see people traveling with food,” she said.

TSA regulations allow “solid” foods to be carried on the plane, including meat, turkey, ham and raw vegetables. Pies and stews are considered solid foods.

Items considered “liquid” food must be in a checked bag. These foods include gravy and cranberry sauce.

“When in doubt, the general rule is: If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then it should be placed in your checked bag,” Farbstein said.

CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.

: CONNECT WITH US

Facebook|Instagram|X|Topics|TikTok