Talking Points: TSA Security Delays (March 17, 2017)
Talking Points – Longer Airport Security Lines
Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.
The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing the recent Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) decisions that are expected to lead to longer security lines and greater wait times at airports. (March 17, 2017)
1. We’re strongly advising our clients to allow sufficient time to get through security lines at U.S. airports due to an increase this spring in leisure travelers and changes in TSA security procedures.
2. There are simple steps air travelers can take to limit wait times for airport security and ensure they are able to board their flights.
3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.
1. We’re strongly advising our clients to allow sufficient time to get through security lines at U.S. airports due to an increase this spring in leisure travelers and changes in TSA security procedures.
During the springtime, the number of airline passengers increases sharply due to Spring Break travelers and those traveling over the Easter and Passover holidays. In 2016, long lines at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security screening points resulted in major delays for many passengers.
o According The Washington Post, “On just one day in mid-March [2016], 6,800 American Airlines customers reportedly missed their flights, thanks to the lengthy TSA lines.”
o The Denver Channel noted that “The spring break season is starting in Colorado, and that means more traffic to the mountains and more people at Denver International Airport. DIA is expecting about an 11 percent increase in traffic from this same time last year. Heath Montgomery, a spokesperson for DIA, said the airport will likely see 1.2 million passengers every week for the next four weeks.”
o CBS Philly reports “One of the busiest times of year at Philadelphia International is in March for Spring Break.”
o According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune: “Officials at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are telling spring break travelers to arrive two hours early and for good reason. The airport is seeing near record passenger volume this month.”
o KXAN-TV in Austin, TX, noted that numerous local events, including spring break, are stressing the Austin airport’s capacities: “South by Southwest, spring break, Rodeo Austin and Texas Relays converge this month to make it a busy time to travel in and out of the Austin airport. If you’re flying out of ABIA this month, you should plan to show up at least two hours before your departure during peak travel times. Airport officials say for non-peak times plan on arriving 90 minutes before your departure. Peak times are 5-8 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m.”
In addition, the TSA will be reducing, and eventually ending, PreCheck for non-enrolled travelers, which may impact airport wait times.
o Travel + Leisure reported: “Limiting passengers allowed through PreCheck signals a ‘natural progression’ in the program, the agency said. In the future, they will only allow enrolled or pre-vetted passengers (or those screened by K9s) through the line.”
o CNBC noted that “The TSA has previously warned of curtailing nonmembers’ access. In a 2015 blog post shortly after the PreCheck program hit the 1 million mark, the agency wrote, “As more and more travelers obtain KTNs, soon, travelers without a Known Traveler Number or KTN, including those who previously ‘opted-in’ via a frequent flyer program, will notice a reduction in the frequency in which they are chosen.”
o “Currently, there are 30 airlines that participate in the program, and access is available in 130 airports in the U.S. A year ago, enrollment was only up to 2 million — and for a perk that is going straight to the travel amenity graveyard (along with free overhead space), it may be time enroll,” said Men’s Journal.
For its part, the TSA is taking action to reduce wait times, and make sure that travelers are able to board their flights on time, including:
o Having more officers and canine teams available at airports
o Approving additional overtime expenses
o Shifting resources to high-volume airports
o Encouraging enrollment in programs like TSA PreCheck.
2. There are simple steps air travelers can take to limit wait times for airport security and ensure they are able to board their flights.
Consider applying for TSA PreCheck status. There are many benefits to this:
o Expedited waiting times in lines—according to the TSA 97% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited in line less than five minutes.
o Travelers don’t need to remove shoes, jackets, laptops, belts or liquids.
o TSA PreCheck is available at over 180 airports in the U.S.
o Travelers can apply on the TSA’s website.
o Various credit card and loyalty programs offer to waive the TSA PreCheck application fee as a member/cardholder benefit.
We encourage our clients who travel internationally to consider applying for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Global Entry program, which enables travelers to pass through U.S. Customs/Immigration much more quickly and also qualifies them to use TSA’s PreCheck airport security lines.
Air travelers not using TSA PreCheck can move through airport security lines more quickly if they remember the rules of for passing through security screening and plan accordingly, including packing for both carry-on and checked baggage. The TSA recommends:
o All liquids carried on the plane must be 3.4 ounces or less, and contained in a clear, quart-sized Ziploc bag. This includes liquid makeup.
o If you’re heading somewhere sunny for spring break, you may opt to pack your own sunscreen and bug spray. Remember that these are also subject to the liquids rule. You may prefer to pack them in your checked baggage.
o Whether you are bringing permitted liquor on a cruise, or bringing back some local beverages, remember that alcohol goes in checked bags, unless it follows the liquid rule of 3.4 ounces or less—it can’t be consumed on the flight.
o All shoes must be removed and placed through screening (unless you are 75 or older).
o All jackets and coats must be removed and placed through screening (if you are 75 or older, you may keep a light jacket on).
o All laptops must be placed removed and placed through screening.
Have your government-issued ID out and ready to show the TSA agent before reaching the front of the security line.
o When traveling outside of the United States, you must have a passport.
To apply for a new passport or new a passport, go to https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html.
It usually takes 6-8 weeks to get a passport, unless expedited (which costs extra). Travelers should plan their passport application or renewal well in advance of their trip.
It is highly recommended that a traveler’s passport be valid for at least six months past their trip date.
o For travel within the U.S., a state-issued driver’s license will be sufficient through the end of the year.
However, beginning January 22, 2018, the final phase of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “REAL ID Act” will require all state-issued drivers’ licenses to include “machine-readable technology” or chips to mitigate the number of air and cruise passengers using counterfeit forms of identification to pass through security.
Several states are not in compliance with the REAL ID Act. Those states are: Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana and Washington. Residents of those states will need to provide alternative identification beginning on January 22, 2018.
Arrive at the airport in plenty of time, to help mitigate the potential of long security lines.
o If you can, check in online 24 hours in advance of your flight.
o American Airlines requires that travelers be checked in 45 minutes prior to domestic travel, and generally 60 minutes before an international flight departure.
o Delta Air Lines recommends arriving at the airport two (2) hours prior to a domestic flight, and checked in 30 minutes prior to departure. For international flights, Delta passengers must be checked in at least one hour prior to departure.
o United Airlines passengers must be checked in at least 30 minutes prior to departure for a domestic flight, and 60 minutes before an international one.
Passengers should factor in local traffic to get to their airport, and check the airport’s website to see if there are any special circumstances requiring a longer wait.
3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.
We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.
As travel professionals, we advise our clients on airport security policies and boarding information, to help manage expectations and ensure they get through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.