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The next few weeks are notorious for being one of the busiest times of the year when it comes to air travel – and experts at the Transport Security Administration (TSA) predict that airports will be even busier this year than last.
While TSA Administrator David Pekoske says the TSA is prepared to accommodate the increase in passengers during the winter holiday season, there are plenty of things we as travelers can do to make everyone’s trip smoother.
In an effort to speed up the airport security experience and reduce travel stress, the TSA has released a list of 10 steps travelers should follow.
While some points may seem obvious to seasoned travelers, it’s always worth checking the latest advice as things can change quickly.
Packaging preparation
Before you even get close to the airport, you need to pack.
The TSA recommends starting packing with an empty bag so you don’t accidentally take items you didn’t intend to.
It’s also worth checking out the “What can I bring?” section of the TSA website to make sure your bag is in order.
Go to the airport earlier than usual
This may seem obvious, but you’ll be surprised at how you can reduce travel stress by arriving earlier than you normally would when the airport is busy.
The official advice from the TSA is to please arrive 2 hours before your flightbut it doesn’t hurt to get there a little early if you can spare it.
Have your ID at hand
No one wants to be that person searching in their bag or pocket for their ID when they finally get to the front of the line.
Make sure you have the correct ID for your trip and hold it in your hand when you’re in the screening line, the TSA says.
Advice on wrapped gifts
Do you have that snow globe for your great aunt Irma? How about the autobiography of the newest footballer for dad? Traveling with gifts is very common this time of year.
Sometimes these items may need to be inspected, so you can make things easier on yourself by transporting gifts unwrapped or by storing them in gift bags or boxes that can be easily opened for inspection when necessary.
Foresight on firearms
If you travel with a firearm, make sure it is unloaded and packed in the appropriate lockable hard case.
You must also declare the firearm at the cash register.
New screening technology
How you are screened varies from airport to airport, with new technology being implemented all the time.
The latest technology is Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, which can view your suitcases in 3D.
The main advantage of CT is that you do not have to take liquids or laptops out of your bags. So be aware of which lane you are in and what technology is being used.
Time to consider TSA PreCheck
Imagine waiting just five minutes or less at the airport checkpoint.
That dream can become a reality if you sign up for TSA PreCheck – a system that allows you to get through airport screening much faster and costs just $70 for five years.
PreCheck is becoming increasingly popular among travelers and has 15 million members and counting.
Call ahead if you need support
If you have a disability or are traveling with someone who does, you can call the TSA Cares Helpline to address any additional needs you may have.
The number is 855-787-2227, but make sure you call at least 72 hours before your trip.
If in doubt, ask TSA
If you are unsure about your flight concerns, it is best to contact the TSA directly.
You can text a question to 275-872 or contact them via the handle @AskTSA on X (formerly Twitter) or on Facebook Messenger.
Follow the TSO guidelines
It may seem like a lot of rules, but they are all there to help us stay safe while traveling.
Listen to Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and obey their requests.
And remember, no matter how stressed you are, TSOs are people just trying to do their job. Give them a smile, it’s holidays!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
