These tips will help you get through Phoenix Sky Harbor security smoothly on spring break

PHOENIX — As Arizonans head to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for spring break travel, officials are sharing tips for getting through security smoothly.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson Patricia Mancha explained during a media event this week why it’s important for travelers to start with a clean slate when packing.

Planning to head to the airport to kick off those Spring Break plans? Here’s an interview I did with TSA on some friendly reminders so you don’t get stopped at security.@KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/wKzn8QZU3P

— Colton Krolak (@ColtonKrolak) March 14, 2025

“Start with an empty bag so that you don’t have prohibited items. Every time we find one, people say, ‘I forgot it was in my bag.’ That’s the number one excuse,” she said.

Sky Harbor ranked fourth in the country for the number of firearms confiscated at security checkpoints in 2024, with 247 intercepted.

Learn the TSA liquid policy for easier spring break travel

Mancha also gave advice for passengers who are confused about the TSA’s liquid policy.

“If you can spill it, spread it, pour it or pump it, it’s considered a liquid and limited to 3.4 ounces,” she said. “So, avocados, you can bring as many as you want in your carry-on. Once they become guacamole, they’re limited to 3.4 ounces.”

Prohibited items can cause passengers to lose time or miss their flight altogether, so Mancha is urging travelers to check TSA guidelines in advance.

If travelers have specific questions about whether an item is allowed, all of the agency’s social media sites have an “Ask TSA” feature. Mancha said a uniformed officer typically responds to inquiries within the hour, with an average response time of under three minutes.

A full list of items that aren’t allowed through security checkpoints can be found on the TSA website.

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