4 Tips to Get Through TSA Quickly This Thanksgiving

4 Tips to Get Through TSA Quickly This Thanksgiving

The Transportation Security Administration expects more than 2.4 million passengers per day to pass through their checkpoints nationwide as people travel in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Nov 21, 2017

The Transportation Security Administration expects more than 2.4 million passengers per day to pass through their checkpoints nationwide as people travel in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The TSA’s security screening process can feel arduous, but for those without TSA Pre-Check, passenger preparedness can help the line move faster. Here are four tips to help make your TSA screening process go quickly when traveling over the river (and over the woods) to Grandma’s house.

  • Get to the airport early. The higher volume of traffic during the holiday season means longer lines everywhere in the airport. TSA recommends travelers arrive two hours early for a domestic flight and three hours early for an international flight. This helps ensure time to handle personal or rental cars, check bags, get boarding passes and do any other chore before heading to the security checkpoint.
  • Use your time wisely while waiting in the checkpoint line. Empty your pockets and put those items into your carry-on bag so they’re more accessible when it comes time to put your belongings into bins for the scanning process. You should also get out your boarding pass and acceptable form of ID and have them in hand to present at the podium.
  • Check guidelines before you pack. Review the TSA prohibited items list before you pack your carry-on and checked baggage. If you’ve checked the guidelines and you’re still not sure, you can ask the TSA directly on social media by using either Twitter (@AskTSA) or Facebook Messenger (fb.com/askTSA) to send them the name and/or photo of the item. Their teams will let you know whether they should be packed in a carry-on bag, a checked bag, both or neither.
  • Be prepared for any special accommodations you may need. If you or someone you’re traveling with may require special accommodations related to disabilities and/or medical conditions, it’s a good idea to know what that entails. You can call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior before flying with any questions about screening policies and procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint as well as arrange for assistance at the checkpoint.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services

  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

  • Report: Nearly 1 in 5 Healthcare Leaders Say Cyberattacks Have Impacted Patient Care

    Omega Systems, a provider of managed IT and security services, today released new research that reveals the growing impact of cybersecurity challenges on leading healthcare organizations and patient safety. According to the 2025 Healthcare IT Landscape Report, 19% of healthcare leaders say a cyberattack has already disrupted patient care, and more than half (52%) believe a fatal cyber-related incident is inevitable within the next five years. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.