How To Avoid Long Security Wait Times At NYC's Airports

NEW YORK, NY — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) estimates that more than 2.5 million passengers nationwide passengers are screened per day, with peak travel around the holiday.

The number of passengers expected to fly this summer is the highest in years, with more than 2.2 million passengers per day — and almost a quarter million of those people live in the New York metropolitan region alone.

The TSA says these are the peak travel times with the longest waits:

• Saturday, 6 to 8 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m.
• Sunday, 6 to 8 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
• Monday, 5 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, 6 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, 6 to 8 a.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, 5 to 8 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
• Friday, 5 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

The last peak summer air travel weekend will be the days leading up to and immediately after Labor Day, but most summer days will seem like holiday time with the increase in passengers expected throughout the summer, officials say. Queens’ JFK Airport reportedly has the greatest potential for holiday travel nightmares, once ranking fifth for worst on-time performance.

Travel booking website KAYAK has a feature on its app (for both iOS and 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.

Expect an increased security presence at airports nationwide, with 50 additional passenger canine teams in use compared to last summer and 2,000 more TSA officers working this summer compared to a year ago.

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To help speed up the security screening process, travelers should arrive early to all NYC metro airports (John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International), authorities say, preferably two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, to ensure they have time to park or return rental cars, check their bags, get a boarding pass and hit the restroom — all before heading to the security checkpoint.

But it’s about more than arriving early. 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 shoes that are easy to get on and off as you go through security screening. Empty your pockets before heading through the checkpoint screening equipment. 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 says. “Prohibited items detected at a checkpoint will slow a checkpoint line. They require bag-checks, tests for traces of explosives and finally, re-screening through the X-ray equipment and can add a few minutes to the amount of time it takes an individual to complete the screening process.”

Travelers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Arrive early. Up to two hours before a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international flight.
• 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.
• @AskTSA: If you have questions on what is allowed through the security checkpoint, contact a TSA employee for live assistance 365 days a year via Twitter. Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays. Call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 1-855- 787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint 72 hours prior to traveling.
• Apply for TSA Pre✓ or other trusted travel programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. To find the program that meets your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool. 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? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.

Photo credit: Eric Salard, original reporting via Patch’s Deb Belt