The number of passengers expected to fly this Thanksgiving holiday is expected to be record-breaking with more than 26.8 million passengers and crew members traveling through security screening checkpoints nationwide from Nov. 22 through Dec. 2, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
“Travelers need to be well prepared and need to get to the checkpoint two hours before their domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight as airports will be active and congested,” said a press release.
TSA expects to screen 4% more passengers this holiday travel season than last year, which is why it is important for passengers to arrive early—to ensure that they have ample time to account for traffic, parking and navigating through the airport. It is advisable to check-in for a flight ahead of time, either on the air carrier’s website or mobile app, to allow even more time to get through security and relax at the gate.
“TSA checkpoints will be fully staffed at all Upstate New York airports from Albany across the state to Buffalo,” said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s federal security director for the Upstate New York airports. “The officers assigned to the airports are very dedicated and they will continue to deploy layers of security, both seen and unseen, to ensure the safety of the public.”
While TSA concentrates on aviation security, passengers can assist by coming to the airport prepared.
“Please keep in mind that TSA officers will be on duty during the holidays so passengers can enjoy their holidays,” Johnson said. “The TSA women and men are committed to securing the transportation network and serving the traveling public to ensure that all travelers get to their destinations safely.”
This fall is also the perfect time to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license because beginning October of 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star in the upper portion of the card.
Travelers are encouraged to get their REAL ID-compliant license before the end of the year, because next year people are more likely to be caught up in the rush to get a REAL ID that could result in long lines at the DMV offices.
Source: The Garden Island
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