Ten Quick Steps to Speed Through Airport Security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced it is ready for increased travel volume during Spring Break 2022 and anticipates average daily passenger throughput will surpass 90% of pre-pandemic levels.

As of March 11, 2022, the TSA’s airport security checkpoint travel activity appears to be just 9% less than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“TSA’s collaboration with industry and federal partners has been instrumental throughout this pandemic, and now we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as demonstrated by the rapid recovery of the travel industry,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske, in a national press release issued on March 9, 2022. 

“We are prepared and ready for a busy Spring and are doing our part to ensure the traveling public is safe and secure by continuing to deploy new technologies within the checkpoint that enhance security, reduce physical contact and improve the traveling experience.”

“We just ask travelers to do their part by being respectful to each other and those who work in the transportation sector – from our officers to airport workers and flight crew.”  

Follow these tips for the fastest and most efficient TSA checkpoint experience possible during the 2022 Spring Break travel period:

Tip 1: The masking requirement remains in place, and TSA will continue to assess the duration of the requirement in consultation with the U.S. CDC.

Tip 2: In carry-on baggage, gels and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces or less. There is an exception for hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then the carry-on quantity is limited.

Tip 3: If you plan to travel with food, it is best practice to pack your food items in a clear plastic bag and place that clear plastic bag into your carry-on bag. When you get to the security checkpoint, remove and place the clear bag containing your food into the bin to reduce the opportunity for cross-contamination between the food and bins. 

Tip 4: To reduce the likelihood of physical contact with TSA officers at the checkpoint, be familiar with the TSA prohibited items list for carry-on bags. 

Tip 5: Do not bring your firearm to a security checkpoint. Airline passengers can fly with firearms only in checked baggage.

Tip 6: Give yourself plenty of extra time for parking, rental car and airline check-in counters, and at the security checkpoint.

Tip 7: Place items inside your carry-on bag instead of into a bin to reduce touchpoints and not leave anything behind.

Tip 8: Listen for guidance from TSA officers who may be providing information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience.

Tip 9: Contact the TSA Center at 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST or 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays with any questions.

Tip 10:  “Travel with Ease” by enrolling in TSA PreCheck. Most new enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number within five days, and membership lasts five years.   

Additionally, travelers can check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov.

Furthermore, depending on your destination, various vaccinations, such as yellow fever, polio, and measles, may be required before entry, in addition to COVID-19 vaccines.

Vax-Before-Travel publishes fact-checked research-based travel vaccine news.

Note: This news article edited TSA information for clarity and curated it for mobile readers.