TSA expects big crowds at airport for holiday travel, so know before you go to Sky Harbor

PHOENIX – Pack right and your holiday airplane trip should be a delight. At least at the security checkpoint.

The Transportation Security Administration expects the busiest days to be Thursday and Dec. 30, and numbers closer to pre-COVID pandemic.

“During the Thanksgiving travel period, we saw the highest throughput volume since 2019, and we expect that trend to continue over the upcoming holiday travel period,” TSA official David Pekoske said Monday in a press release.

“We are prepared for the increased volume and expect to meet our wait time standards of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck lanes. However, there may be some situations where the capacity of a checkpoint is exceeded.”

Travelers can help make things go smoother by knowing what to pack for carry-on and what not to take on a plane.

Chief among travel dont’s? Trying to bring a firearm through a checkpoint.

Bringing the entrée to the party this holiday season? We’ve got delicious news! Solid food items are good to go in carry-on bags. Have more questions? Meat our hearty friends at @AskTSA, available on Twitter, Facebook, or SMS by texting "TRAVEL" to 275-872. #HolidayTravel pic.twitter.com/S6lM2m6TUE

— TSA (@TSA) December 20, 2022

Anyone who does is subject to a civil penalty and a fine of up to $15,000. Law enforcement will also be called and that person will lose their eligibility for TSA precheck.

So what can be stowed in carry-on? Solid food items! Oh, boy – fruitcake!

Apparently, Harry Potter wands are fine, too. Find the list what can go with you on the plane on the agency’s website or send questions to @AskTSA or text AskTSA at 275-872.

Other travel tips from TSA:

• Make sure gifts are unwrapped so they can be fully inspected at the checkpoint or consider putting them in checked luggage. They can’t be wrapped there, either.

• Bring a valid ID. This includes a state-issued enhanced driver’s license; a standard state-issued driver’s license; an American passport or passport card; Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards; permanent resident card; and a photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation or Indian tribe.

• Families traveling with passengers with disabilities or medical conditions can get help at the TSA Cares hotline at 855-787-2227 but should call at least 72 hours before flight time. Agents can answer questions on screening procedures and set up assistance at the checkpoints for travelers with specific needs.

• Finally, be nice to the workers, TSA said. Thank an agency security officer, a flight attendant, a gate agent or “someone who serves at the frontlines of transportation.”

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