Record Air Travel In Summer 2017 Includes BWI Airport: TSA

HANOVER, MD — Summer vacationers leaving Maryland via BWI Airport were among records crowds nationwide, and the busy Labor Day holiday is yet to come as federal officials said Monday that a record number of airline passengers passed through security checkpoints across the country this season. In July the Transportation Security Administration set a record, screening more than 70 million passengers and crew for the first time in the agency’s history, an average of 2.33 million passengers and crew were screened per day nationwide. That number includes nearly 1 million passengers and crew screened last month at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein says TSA officers screened 72,117,046 passengers and crew at airports nationwide in July, breaking the previous record of 69,985,052 set in June 2017. Locally, 969,918 passengers and crew members were screened at BWI Airport during July.

In June and July there were 58 days in which passenger volume surpassed 2 million, and 25 days in which passenger volume surpassed 2.4 million, officials said. (SIGN UP: Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts, or like us on Facebook. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Airport congestion leading into the busy Labor Day weekend will make most summer days seem like holidays with the increase in passengers expected to contine officials say. TSA officers at BWI Airport screens more than 40,000 passengers on a busy summer day this year, says Farbstein.

Expect a continued increase in the security presence at airports nationwide, with 50 additional passenger canine teams in use compared to last summer, and 2,000 more TSA officers working this summer compared to a year ago.

To help speed the security screening process, travelers should arrive early to BWI Airport, the TSA says, preferably two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to ensure they have time to park or return rental cars, check their bags, get a boarding pass and hit the restroom — all before heading to the security checkpoint.

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But it's more than about arriving early. You should also prepare ahead of time by following the 3-1-1 rule: when packing toiletries, have no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a 1-quart plastic bag, and no more than one bag for every person.

Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off as you go through security screening. Empty your pockets before heading through the checkpoint screening equipment. Also, make sure you don't have any prohibited items.

"The most common mistake that passengers make is that they have items that are prohibited at a checkpoint—mainly oversize liquids and various knives that are in their carry-on bags," the TSA says. "Prohibited items detected at a checkpoint will slow a checkpoint line. They require bag-checks, tests for traces of explosives and finally, rescreening through the X-ray equipment and can add a few minutes to the amount of time it takes an individual to complete the screening process."
Travelers are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Arrive early. Up to two hours before a domestic flight and three hours in advance of an international flight.
• Prepare for security when packing. Put large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols into checked bags -- think shampoo, conditioner, suntan lotion, shaving cream and anti-perspirant. If you’ve only got a carry-on bag, make sure all of your liquids follow the 3-1- 1 rule.
• Follow 3-1- 1 liquids rule for your carry-on bag. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all bottles must fit in a single quart-size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. This includes sun block and tanning sprays. Let the TSA officer know right away if you’re traveling with larger quantities of medically-necessary liquid medications or breast milk or formula for an infant.
• Documents ready: When you enter the checkpoint line have an acceptable ID and boarding pass out of your wallet and ready to hand to the TSA officer. Once you get to the screening tables, remove large electronics including laptops and the 3-1- 1 liquids bag, from carry-on baggage.
• Less accessories: Consider minimizing items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, large belts and other bulky items that are likely to require additional screening. Remove all items from your pockets and put them into one of your carry-on bags so you won’t lose them.
• @AskTSA: If you have questions on what is allowed through the security checkpoint, contact a TSA employee for live assistance 365 days a year via Twitter. Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays. Call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 1-855- 787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint 72 hours prior to traveling.
• Apply for TSA Pre✓ or other trusted travel programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. To find the program that meets your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool. These programs give travelers access to TSA Pre✓expedited screening lanes; those passengers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets at more than 180 U.S. airports. For more information about TSA Pre✓, visit the frequently asked questions page on the TSA.gov.
• Tweet or Message AskTSA. Issues receiving TSA Pre✓ on your boarding pass? Unsure if an item is allowed through security? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.

»Patch file photo of BWI Airport