4 Record Travel Days Set In April At DC Area Airports

ARLINGTON, VA — A record number of travelers passed through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at Washington, D.C.’s two airports during the month of April, federal officials said.

The highest volume of checkpoint traffic occurred on April 11 at both airports, according to the TSA. In addition, TSA checkpoints at Washington Dulles International Airport saw its four busiest days ever on April 10, 11, 12 and 13.

“Our officers are focused on the security mission while providing minimal operational issues to provide a good passenger experience as travelers make their way along the path to their flights,” said Eric Beane, TSA’s acting federal security director at Dulles Airport. “I’m proud of our officers, especially during this busy spring travel period.”

Top 10 Busiest Days At Washington Dulles International Airport

The month of May is also expected to be busy, according to John Busch, federal security director at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

“As the REAL ID enforcement date begins in just two days, we urge travelers who do not have a REAL ID license to look into whether they have an acceptable alternative form of identification, the most common being a passport,” he said.

Also See: Big Change To ID Requirements Less Than 1 Month Away In VA

Effective May 7, Virginia residents who are 18 and older must show a REAL ID, a passport or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights and secure federal facilities, including military bases and some federal offices.

Top 10 Busiest Days At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

The anti-terrorism law requiring the “gold star ID,” as it’s sometimes called, passed in 2005 in response to the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and aims to heighten national security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Summer Travel Tips At DC Airports

No. 1 Get to the airport early with your REAL ID license or acceptable alternative.

Travelers should arrive a minimum of two hours before their scheduled domestic flights and three hours before scheduled international flights. Travelers will need a REAL ID compliant license or another acceptable form of identification. TSA has a list of more than a dozen alternative acceptable IDs online.

No. 2 Know before you go.
Travelers need to know what can and cannot go in their carry-on bag, from firearms to oversize liquids. The most common item that travelers bring to the checkpoint that is not permitted through the screening process are liquids, gels and aerosols that are larger than the acceptable limit. Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller through a checkpoint if those items fit into a one quart-sized, resealable bag. This is known as the 3-1-1 bag.

No. 3: Use TSA’s tools for your resources.

Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).

No. 4: Enroll in TSA PreCheck®.

There is still plenty of time to enroll in TSA PreCheck before the start of the summer travel season. This program offers expedited screening for members. They can leave their shoes on; leave electronics in their carry-on bag; leave a lightweight jacket on; and leave their belts on when going through a checkpoint.

No. 5 When traveling with a medical condition or disability.

TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Call 72 hours prior to traveling at 855-787-2227 with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Or email TSA Cares. TSA Cares is available 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekends and holidays.