SALT LAKE CITY — Flying to grandma’s house for the holidays can be stressful for even the most savvy air traveler. With passenger volume expected to spike again around Christmas, airport officials are warning travelers to be ready for increased screening efforts during the busy holiday season.
This year for the first time, the Transportation Security Administration is collaborating with Salt Lake City International Airport and other airports across the country to monitor operations nationwide in near-real time.
TSA expects to screen nearly 23,000 passengers per day during the holiday travel season — up about 15 percent over an average travel day. Passengers play a large role in the security process, said TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers. By being prepared, travelers can simplify their experience and have a significant impact on efficiency at security checkpoints.
“If people know what to expect, they’re going to have a much better experience going through the screening process," Dankers said.
TSA recommends arriving at least two hours prior to departure, preparing for security by having a valid ID and boarding pass out before getting to the travel document podium, and removing large electronics such as laptops, medical devices and liquids from carry-on luggage.
Other tips included not overpacking, refreshing your knowledge of the liquids rule noting that liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less. Also if traveling with gifts, remember to leave them unwrapped.
“We want to make sure people feel empowered to bring what they need when they travel to the checkpoint and know that they will be able to travel with that item,” she said.
For those passengers traveling with medical devices or medically necessary liquids or medicine, TSA has established procedures in ensure safety and accommodation through the screening process.
Because all travelers are required to undergo screening, all TSA personnel who work at airport checkpoints receive training on screening passengers with disabilities and medical conditions, which stresses the importance of treating passengers with dignity, respect and sensitivity, Dankers noted.
Those traveling with medically necessary liquids over the 3.4 ounce limit should inform a TSA officer before putting them through the X-ray scanner, said TSA screening supervisor Rikie Gregg. “That way we can screen you as efficiently as possible and get the process done as quickly as we can.”
Items such as medical liquids and other medical accessories, including freezer packs, IV bags, pumps and syringes, should be separated from other belongings and placed in a separate bin, she said. Also, removing electronic medical devices from carry-on luggage and placing them in a bin will allow the X-ray operator to get a clear view of the device during the screening process, she said.
Travelers with implanted devices should also notify the screening officer prior to being scanned, she added.
“If you have a knee replacement or hip replacement or anything like that, we recommend you letting us know prior to screening because we don’t want you going through the metal detector,” Gregg said. “Also, it can affect a pacemaker so you want to let us know (beforehand). If you do go through a metal detector and there is an alarm, there is additional screening”
She mentioned that medical devices connected to the body such as insulin pumps or ostomy bags are also subject to additional screening. Under most circumstances, the process will involve the passenger conducting a self "pat down’" of the device followed by a swab of the hands. The traveler will not be asked to remove the device or be separated from it, Gregg said.
Travelers can access more information at the TSA customer service web page, along with videos on the TSA website.