HUNTSVILLE — Air travelers can expect a lot of traffic during the last big holiday travel season of 2022. According to AAA, 7.2 million Americans will take to the skies between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 – a 14% increase over 2021.
And, while it looks a lot like Christmas at Huntsville International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration has more than just sparkling decorations to help keep travelers in good cheer.
Topping the agency’s wish list is for passengers to arrive 90 minutes to two hours early. Air travelers can speed up the TSA screening process with preparedness.
But, with a surge of people hustling through concourses and security checkpoints, travelers should expect travel time to take longer and plan accordingly.
“Huntsville International Airport has a reputation for being convenient and TSA wait times are typically brief, but holiday travelers should still plan to arrive at least 90 minutes to two hours ahead of their flight departure time,” said Mary Swanstrom, public relations manager at HSV. “We anticipate full flights and the return of passengers who may not have flown in a few years, and arriving with time to spare allows them plenty of time for checking bags and processing through the TSA security checkpoint.”
Swanstrom said travelers can experience significant delays at TSA if they have prohibited items packed in carry-on bags. The traveler must then go back to the ticket counter to check their bag, or the disallowed items must be returned to their parked car or disposed of.
“It’s a smart idea to know before you go what you can and can’t carry on, and the TSA has provided a very handy guide at TSA.gov detailing what items can fly and whether that can happen in a carry-on or a checked bag,” Swanstrom said.
Christmas and holiday travelers can minimize delays at the TSA checkpoint by reviewing the tips below to ensure your bags are properly packed and your carry-on luggage doesn’t have items that will be rejected by TSA at the gate:
- Don’t wrap gifts. Wrapped presents aren’t prohibited in carry-on bags but leave them unwrapped in case TSA officers need to inspect them.
- Check your holiday cheer. The 3-1-1 liquids rule still applies for carry-on bags, and even unopened liquids and alcohol in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces can’t be carried on. You can check 5 liters or less of alcoholic beverages in original, unopened packaging in checked baggage.
- Baked goods and food can be carried on, but TSA recommends removing food from your carry-on bags and placing in a separate bin for screening.
- It’s perfectly fine to carry on holiday decorations including candles, lights, and even snow globes if they contain 3.4 ounces or less of liquid.
- Get your questions answered before you head to the airport. Travelers can get assistance in real time by submitting their questions and comments to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger. Travelers can also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
As always, travelers should be sure to pack smart, arrive 90 minutes before departure, ensure that they have the proper I.D., and if traveling with a firearm, comply with all TSA and airline requirements.
Firearms, stun guns and ammunition are not permitted at the TSA checkpoint, and passengers with them in their possession will be refused entry and may pay a hefty fine. Check TSA.gov and airline regarding stipulations for checking firearms and ammunition.
Travelers should also note that personal alcohol can’t be carried onboard but may be available for purchase once on the plane. Passengers should check with their carriers to see if alcoholic beverages are sold in flight.
Another sure way to speed through TSA is to enroll in a trusted traveler program and membership is on sale.
TSA PreCheck is now $78 (compared to regular $85), and for just $22 more, travelers can apply for Global Entry.
Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry use a dedicated screening lane and do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck and international travel benefits, and interviews can be completed at HSV.
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