SPOKANE, Wash. — The TSA is preparing for a busy Thanksgiving travel period at Spokane International Airport (GEG) with the number of passengers expected to be close to pre-pandemic levels, if not more.
The busiest travel days around Thanksgiving include Wednesday and Sunday.
On Wednesday, the TSA expects to screen over 7,100 passengers, and slightly more on Sunday. Thanksgiving day is expected to be the least busy, with about 4,500 passengers to be screened.
Mornings often bring the longest lines to GEG. Security checkpoints open at 3:30 a.m. each day, but with several early morning flights, passengers are warned to expect a large number of people who need to be screened.
Here are the busiest times at GEG checkpoints, per the TSA:
- A-B Checkpoint: 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- C Checkpoint: 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
“With high travel volumes projected nationally and locally leading up to and after Thanksgiving, the best piece of advice I have for passengers is arrive at the airport early and arrive prepared, TSA Federal Security Director for Washington Greg Hawko said in a written statement. “Every step of the travel process takes longer during peak travel times. This holiday season is no exception.”
Here are tips from the TSA to make the screening experience go smoothly:
- 1. Pack smart.
Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in carry-on luggage. Bringing prohibited item to the security checkpoint will result in a bag check, slowing the screening process for you and all travelers behind you. Also, your carry-on is not a turkey, so please don’t overstuff it. A cluttered carry-on can lead to a TSA officer having to conduct a bag check. - 2. Empty your pockets prior to arriving in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys and coins from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind.
- 3. Know how to travel with special holiday foods and drinks.
We know that many passengers like to travel with special foods and drinks to share with friends and families during the holidays. Remember that not all foods can be transported in carry-on luggage. If you can spread it, spill it, pump it or pour it AND the quantity exceeds 3.4 ounces (which is 100 ml), pack it in a checked bag. For example, jams jellies, sauces and wines in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should go in a checked bag. Cakes, pies, cookies and breads can travel in carry-on luggage in any quantity, but may require some additional screening. - 4. Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper.
Wrapped items are screened just like any other item. If a wrapped item alarms the security screening technology whether in carry-on or checked luggage, a TSA officer may have to unwrap it to determine what the item is and confirm it does not pose a security threat. Consider traveling with unwrapped items or placing them in a gift bag for easy access and resolution. - 5. Download the free myTSA app and follow TSA on social media.
The myTSA app is a trusted source for last-minute travel questions, providing travelers with 24-hour access to the most frequently requested airport security information. It also features a searchable “Can I Bring” database where you can enter the name of an item and find out if you should pack it in your checked or carry-on bag. The app is available from the App Store or Google Play. Travelers can also Tweet or Message AskTSA to get answers to last-minute questions. Live assistance is available daily including weekends and holidays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT. - 6. Listen for guidance from TSA officers.
Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. There may be information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience, so listen up! - 7. Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Extra time may be needed for parking, checking a bag at the airline check-in counters and in the security checkpoint. There is no substitute for arriving early and prepared.
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