WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration said that more than 2.5 million people a day will be flying between Memorial Day and Labor Day, including 40,000 a day out of BWI Marshall Airport. That means a lot of time standing in a security line under the best of circumstances, and the TSA wants to make sure people know how to keep that time from getting any longer.
On Tuesday, the TSA issued a list of ways to get yourself through any airport faster. They include:
- Signing up for TSA Pre, which for a frequent flier may easily be worth the cost;
- Going to the TSA website’s What Can I Bring? section, where you can type in an item and find out whether you can pack something in your carry-on, your checked bags, either or neither;
- Having your ID and boarding pass in your hand when you get to the line;
- Dressing for the occasion: Leave off any scarves, hair accessories, bulky jewelry or anything else that you’d have to take off while people are waiting. That goes for whatever’s in your pockets too: Don’t stand in line fumbling to move stuff from your pockets into the trays (and vice versa after the screening).
And remember the 3-1-1 rule. The TSA did a “show and tell” presentation on Tuesday at BWI Marshall about what can and can’t be taken on a plane:
TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said, “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, it’s probably a liquid, gel, or aerosol.” Small portions, 3.4 ounces or less, can be carried aboard in a quart-sized bag. (WTOP\/Neal Augenstein)\n"},{"type":"photo","media":"
Sparklers and other fireworks are not allowed, in either carry on or checked, since they are flammable and could be explosive. (WTOP\/Neal Augenstein)\n"},{"type":"photo","media":"
The 3-1-1 liquids rule says liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be carried on, if the container holds 3.4 ounces or less. One clear, plastic zip-top bag per passenger. (WTOP\/Neal Augenstein)\n"},{"type":"photo","media":"
Any spray container that reads “Flammable” is not allowed on the plane, in checked or carry-on luggage. (WTOP\/Neal Augenstein)\n"},{"type":"ad","media":"
A jar of peanut butter must go in checked luggage, said the TSA’s Lisa Farbstein, since it resembles a gel or paste. If the peanut butter is already on a sandwich, it can be carried on. (WTOP\/Neal Augenstein)\n"},{"type":"photo","media":"
TSA security officer Camille Morris said a loose 9-volt battery will prompt extra screening, and so should be packed in your checked suitcase. (WTOP\/Neal Augenstein)\n"}], previews: [{"index":0,"src":"http:\/\/wtop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/TSA1-260x174.jpg"},{"index":1,"src":"http:\/\/wtop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/TSA2-260x174.jpg"},{"index":2,"src":"http:\/\/wtop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/TSA3-260x174.jpg"},{"index":3,"src":"http:\/\/wtop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/TSA4-260x174.jpg"},{"index":5,"src":"http:\/\/wtop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/TSA5-260x174.jpg"},{"index":6,"src":"http:\/\/wtop.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/TSA6-260x174.jpg"}], prev: "\t", next: "\t" };
WTOP’s Neal Augenstein contributed to this report.
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