Whether you're taking a trip to your mother-in-law's for Christmas with the family or headed somewhere warm for a vacation from the cold, TSA has some helpful tips to make security lines at the airport less hectic this holiday season.
The best way to ensure a quick trip through the security line is to be prepared. Here's a list of tips to make your departure less stressful.
- Arrive early. You may hit traffic, you'll have to deal with parking, the rental car has to be returned and you can't forget to check-in. TSA recommends arriving 90 minutes before your flight.
- Prepare for security when packing. Large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols should be kept in checked bags. If you're putting them in your carry-on bag, they should be 3.4 ounces or less and all bottles should fit in a single quart size plastic bag. Make sure to take them out of your bag and put them into a bin before your bag gets screening. Check TSA's website to find out what you can and can't fly with. If you're flying with larger quantities of medically-necessary liquid medications, breast milk or formula, let TSA know right away.
- Be ready when you enter the checkpoint. Have your ID and boarding pass in your hand ready to go. Remove large electronics and liquids from your carry-on bag. Take everything out of your pockets and put them into one of your carry-on bags so you won't lose them.
- @AskTSA: Try this feature if you have questions about the security checkpoint, TSA Pre-check, or any other TSA-related questions.
- TSA Cares: Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions can call TSA Cares helpline at 1-855-787-2227.
- Check the bins: Make sure you take everything with you once you make it through security!
- TSA Contact Center: Call with questions from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays at 1-866-289-9673. An automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
