DC Airport Officials Share Tips On How To Ease Stress Of Thanksgiving Travel

WASHINGTON, DC — The Thanksgiving travel period, which runs from Friday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 28, is traditionally one of the busiest times for airports across the U.S.

While the COVID-19 pandemic may have reduced the number of Thanksgiving travelers last year, the Transportation Security Administration is expecting an increase in passengers whom TSA officers will be processing through checkpoints. It may even approach the 20 million passengers who traveled during the 2019 Thanksgiving holidays.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a release Wednesday that his agency is preparing for an expected passenger volume close to pre-pandemic levels.

"We have deployed technologies that enhance detection capabilities and reduce physical contact, and it’s equally important that passengers are prepared with travel tips for the most efficient checkpoint experience,” Pekoske said. “With overall vaccination rates improving nationwide and greater confidence in healthy travel, there will be more people traveling, so plan ahead, remain vigilant and practice kindness.”

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (is also preparing for the anticipated increase of passengers over the next week at the area's two airports in suburban Virginia, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.

Earlier this month, Reagan opened two new security checkpoint buildings as part of a $1 billion capital improvement project. The new buildings provide TSA with more space to process travelers booked on Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue and United flights. The airports authority recommends that Thanksgiving travelers with tickets on those airlines familiarize themselves with the layout of the new checkpoints to help speed up their journey.

Getting to the airport may also be a challenge for travelers, as holiday parking will be in high remade. Travelers can reserve parking spaces ahead of time, both at Reagan and Dulles.

While rail to Dulles is still a few months off, passengers can avoid parking problems by taking Metrorail to DCA. The airports authority recommends picking up or dropping off passengers at the Crystal City or Braddock Road Metro stations to avoid holiday traffic around the Arlington airport.

Passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before international flights to allow themselves enough time to check in and pass through security.

At Dulles, the cell phone lot is available for people who are just making quick pickups or drop-offs of international passengers. In addition, all curbside arrival and departure doors provide the same access to the terminal. That means drivers don't need to pick up or drop off travelers at doors marked for specific airlines. If you see an open section of curb, pull over and drop your passenger there.

Here are some tips provided by the TSA to help Thanksgiving travelers have a less-stressful experience over the holidays:

1. Wear a mask. Travelers, TSA personnel, and other aviation workers are required to wear a mask as prescribed by the federal mask mandate. Everyone in airports, bus and rail stations, on passenger aircraft, public transportation, passenger railroads, and over-the-road buses operating on scheduled fixed-routes must wear a mask. If a traveler did not bring a mask, a TSA officer will offer a mask to that person at the screening checkpoint.
2. Pack smart. Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in baggage. Know which foods should go into a checked bag. Gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves should all go into a checked bag, because they are not solids. If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it's not a solid and should be packed in a checked bag. As always, passengers can bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints.
3. It’s OK to bring hand sanitizer. TSA is currently allowing travelers to bring one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect all containers larger 3.4 ounces will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to their checkpoint experience. Travelers also are permitted to bring alcohol wipes or anti-bacterial wipes in carry-on, checked luggage, or both.
4. Enroll in or renew your TSA PreCheck membership. People who obtained TSA PreCheck five years ago are now able to renew their membership online at a discount. People who do not have TSA PreCheck should enroll now to get TSA PreCheck benefits, available at more than 200 U.S. airports. Travelers enrolled in a trusted traveler program, such as TSA PreCheck, do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. TSA PreCheck membership is more valuable now than ever before because it reduces touchpoints during the pandemic and puts travelers in security lines that have fewer travelers and move more quickly, which encourages social distancing. To find the trusted traveler program that best suits your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool.
5. Request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint.
6. Get your questions answered before you head to the airport. Ask TSA. Travelers can get assistance in real time by submitting their questions and comments to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger. Travelers can also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. Staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends/holidays; and an automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
7. Ensure you have proper ID. Before heading to the airport, travelers should make sure they have acceptable identification. Identity verification is an important step in the security screening process.
8. Remain aware. As a reminder, public awareness is key for supporting TSA’s security efforts. Travelers are encouraged to report suspicious activities, and remember: If You See Something, Say Something. For additional information about TSA’s screening policies, visit www.tsa.gov.