Travel Tip Tuesday | Safe Holiday Travel

How to Travel Safely for the Holidays

The Transportation Security Administration has taken aggressive steps to ensure the protection of TSA staff, aviation personnel, and passengers from COVID-19. The goal is to make the screening process safer for passengers and staff with the 2020 holiday season in mind. According to the TSA, more than three million passengers were screened on the Labor Day Holiday Weekend (Sept. 4-Sept.7) with nearly 969,000 passengers on Sept. 4, and 935,000 on Sept. 7, according to TSA. These two days represent the most individuals screened on any single day since March 17, 2020.

People that haven’t flown since March but are thinking of taking that long-awaited getaway will notice several important differences in the screening process including folks wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Passengers can expect to see TSA officers wearing gloves, masks, and at some airports even face shields. There are also acrylic barriers, social distancing signage, regular cleaning of high touch surfaces, and an increase in touch-less technology.

If you are planning to fly any time soon or for your holiday getaway, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and others when moving through the TSA security screening process.

^{1. Pack Smart} 

Know what you can and can’t pack in your carry on bag to avoid triggering an alarm. When moving through screening put all items from your pockets such as keys, mobile phones, lip balm, food items, and change in your carry-on. 

^{2. Minimize Wait Time}  

It is always best to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight in order to minimize your wait time. TSA has noted shorter wait times due to lower passenger volume but if you plan to fly for the holidays, it is best to arrive early.

^{3. Pay Attention to Social Distancing} 

Everyone can do their part by practicing social distancing and paying attention to the decals on the floor and the signage while waiting in line. Be especially aware of social distancing when collecting items from bins after leaving the security checkpoint.

^{4. Wear A Mask} 

TSA Officers are required to wear a face mask at all times and at the writing of this travel tip, all passengers are also required to wear a face mask. Some TSA Officers will also wear a face shield if there isn’t an acrylic barrier in place for protection. The only time a passenger is asked to remove his or her mask is for identification purposes.

^{5. Reduce Physical Contact} 

Familiarize yourself with the new technologies that are being put in place at airports that reduce physical contact. Passengers should place their electronic boarding passes and drivers license on ID readers themselves, and hold them up to a TSA Officer for visual inspection in order to reduce physical contact.

^{6. Wash Your Hands}

We have all heard this mantra time and time again. The good news is that TSA is now allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container of up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags. Put your hand sanitizer in a plastic bag and remember to take it out of your carry on and place it in a bin for screening.

If you follow these simple six tips, getting through the screening process should be easy and efficient.