TSA anticipates record-setting numbers as travel returns to pre-pandemic levels

WHIO Staff
·2 min read

The Transportation Security Administration said they expect to see record-setting numbers as summer travel season kicks off.

The agency expects to screen 2.6 million passengers Friday, May 26, which they believe will be the busiest day of the long holiday weekend, according to a media release.

TSA also announced Monday that teenagers age 13-17 can now accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the precheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass.

“TSA is ready to handle this summer’s anticipated increase in travel. Our staffing levels are better and this is largely due to better pay for all TSA employees which starts on July 1st,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

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The agency provided the following tips for passengers to get through the security checkpoint quickly and efficiently:

  • For TSA PreCheck members: Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in your reservation. With over 15 million TSA PreCheck members, it is essential that airline reservations have the passenger’s correct KTN and date of birth. TSA PreCheck passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint.

  • Pack an empty bag and know before you go: When airline passengers begin packing for travel with an empty bag, they are less likely to be stopped at the security checkpoint for having prohibited items. Prior to packing that empty bag, check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool to know what is prohibited

  • Give yourself plenty of time: You can save time by removing items from packets and placing them in your carry-on bag instead of onto the belt, the agency said

  • Be aware of new checkpoint technology and follow guidance from our TSA officers

  • Be respectful to TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees

  • Make sure you have an acceptable ID

  • Contact TSA with questions: Travelers with questions have many options for contacting TSA. AskTSA is available for live assistance from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET via Twitter or Facebook by messaging @AskTSA or by sending a text to “272872″ (”AskTSA”).

More information can be found on TSA’s website here.