Making your way through an airport can be a hectic experience at any time, but peak travel season adds another layer of stress. So whether you're heading out for a Labor Day trip or trying to squeeze in a last-minute summer vacation, you might want to prepare for some added headaches. But to help make your travel experience as smooth as possible, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just released a new alert for passengers with some important reminders. Read on to find out what they're warning you not to take through security on your next trip.
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TSA is expecting travel to be very busy as summer comes to a close.
ShutterstockAirport staff are gearing up for a travel surge later this week. In an Aug. 25 press release, TSA said that it is expecting travel to be especially busy over the Labor Day weekend, based on previous passenger volumes this summer that "consistently exceeded 2019 pre-pandemic levels."
TSA has screened an average of over 2.4 million people per day at more than 430 airports nationwide since Memorial Day, according to the release.
"The Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday weekends set records for the number of people screened and Labor Day is shaping up to be busy as well," the agency added.
Based on these numbers, TSA is preparing to screen 14.25 million passengers and crew between Sept. 1 and Sept. 6—which would be an 11 percent increase in traveler volumes compared to the same time last year. If you'll be part of that massive group, you'd be wise to heed the agency's latest warning.
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TSA is reminding passengers about things they can't bring through security.
ShutterstockIn order to allow for easier travel during the end-of-the-summer surge, TSA added an alert in its release to remind passengers to "pack smart."
"Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags prior to leaving home. Ensure that carry-ons do not contain prohibited items since they slow down the security screening process," the agency advised.
With that in mind, TSA is warning about two prohibited items that could trip people up right now: fireworks and fuel canisters. And unlike some of the other things you just can't take through security, these two items are banned from being brought through the airport at all.
"TSA is reminding all travelers that fireworks don’t fly—in carry-on or checked luggage. Fireworks are never allowed on an aircraft, so please don’t bring them to the airport," the agency warned. "In addition, fuel canisters frequently used by campers and other outdoor enthusiasts are flammable and not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage."
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You also need to pay attention to the liquids rule.
ShutterstockIt's not just fireworks and fuel canisters you need to worry about. In its new release, TSA also reminded travelers to "follow the rule for traveling with liquids." That means summer essentials like sunscreen, creams, bug spray, and other liquids or aerosols cannot exceed 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) in your carry-on luggage.
"If a traveler brings liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces, TSA will have to conduct a bag check, which slows the screening process for that traveler and everyone in line behind them," the agency cautioned. "Any liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should travel in checked baggage."
TSA has provided some more tips for end-of-summer travel.
iStockKnowing what you can and can't bring through security is one of the most important ways to ensure you can make it through the airport quickly. But it's not the only thing that can "impact the efficiency of the airport travel experience," according to TSA. That's why the agency provided some additional tips in the latest release.
When going to the airport, TSA recommends passengers wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on.
"Shoes that lace up and extend up your leg will slow you down," the agency said. "Slip-on shoes are best. And, do yourself a favor: wear socks!"
TSA also advises that travelers use their time wisely while waiting in the security checkpoint line.
"Have your photo ID ready. Don't wait until you approach the TSA officer who is checking IDs to look for it," the agency stated. "Empty your pockets prior to arrival in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses and other loose items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind."
