Labor Day Travel: Ease TSA Stress At BWI, Dulles, Reagan Airports

HANOVER, MD — A record-setting amount of air passengers have passed through airport security checkpoints nationwide this summer, and federal officials have some tips to help Labor Day weekend fliers make it through screening lines as pain-free and speedily as possible. Between Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Baltimore Washington International Airport, authorities expect to screen 100,000 passengers Aug. 30 leading into the holiday weekend.

It has been the busiest summer travel season in years including some record-setting days in terms of the number of travelers passing through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints nationwide, according to a news release. TSA set a record for the busiest day in its history when 2,795,014 passengers and crew members were screened at airports nationwide on July 7.

Travel booking website KAYAK has a feature on its app (for both iOSand Android devices) that lets you check the estimated security line wait times, which is collected through real-time feedback from app users and the TSA website.

To speed up the security screening process, travelers should arrive at the airport early, authorities say, preferably two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, to give yourself time to park or return rental cars, check bags, get a boarding pass and hit the restroom — all before heading to the security checkpoint.

You should also prepare ahead of time by following the 3-1-1 rule: when packing toiletries, have no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a 1-quart plastic bag and no more than one bag for every person.

Wear slip-on shoes if possible to speed you through the checkpoint scanner; TSA policy requires that passengers remove their shoes to be X-ray screened.

Also, make sure you don't have any prohibited items. "The most common mistake that passengers make is that they have items that are prohibited at a checkpoint—mainly oversize liquids and various knives that are in their carry-on bags," the TSA said. "Prohibited items detected at a checkpoint will slow a checkpoint line."

Travelers should be ready to remove laptops and personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from carry-on bags and place them in a checkpoint bin with nothing above or below each item so the TSA gets a clear X-ray image of those items to ensure that nothing dangerous has been concealed inside them.

Travelers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Prepare for security when packing. Put large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols into checked bags — think shampoo, conditioner, suntan lotion, shaving cream and anti-perspirant. If you've only got a carry-on bag, make sure all of your liquids follow the 3-1- 1 rule.
• Follow 3-1- 1 liquids rule for your carry-on bag. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less, and all bottles must fit in a single quart-size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. This includes sunblock and tanning sprays. Let the TSA officer know right away if you're traveling with larger quantities of medically necessary liquid medications or breast milk or formula for an infant.
• Documents ready: When you enter the checkpoint line, have an acceptable ID and boarding pass out of your wallet and ready to hand to the TSA officer. Once you get to the screening tables, remove large electronics including laptops and the 3-1- 1 liquids bag, from carry-on baggage.
• Less accessories: Consider minimizing items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, large belts and other bulky items that are likely to require additional screening. Remove all items from your pockets and put them into one of your carry-on bags so you won't lose them.
• Download TSA’s free app. The MyTSA app has the handy “What Can I bring?” tool at the tip of your fingers.
• Apply for TSA Pre✓ or other trusted travel programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. These programs give travelers access to TSA Pre✓expedited screening lanes; those passengers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets at more than 180 U.S. airports. For more information about TSA Pre✓, visit the frequently asked questions page on the TSA.gov website.
• Tweet or Message AskTSA. Issues receiving TSA Pre✓ on your boarding pass? Unsure if an item is allowed through security? TSA’s homepage has a tool in the upper right-hand corner entitled “What Can I Bring?” in which travelers can type in the name of an item to find out if it is allowed in a checked or carry-on bag. The TSA Contact Center is available to answer questions by email and phone at 1-866-289-9673. Staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends/holidays.