TSA adds 1,400 officers, including canine teams, to screen passengers
Washington DC Dec 18 2017 The Transportation Security Administration announced that its officers are prepared to screen more than 40 million passengers and crew during the winter holiday period, one of the busiest times of the year to fly.
TSA is expecting anywhere from 100,000 to 400,000 additional travelers at checkpoints nationwide each day from Dec. 15 through Jan. 2. Busy travel days are also anticipated Tuesday through Friday after Christmas (Dec. 26 through Dec. 29) and Tuesday after New Year’s Eve.
“Passengers flying during the holiday travel season should plan to be at the airport two hours prior to a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight so that TSA can accommodate the large volume of passengers needing to be screened,” TSA stated in a press release.
Up to 1,400 additional TSA officers are working at the top 50 airports, in addition to use of overtime and extending hours for part-time officers. Passengers flying out of the nation’s busiest airports, including the Salt Lake International Airport, may expect to see canine teams working at the checkpoints as well.
TSA is offering holiday-related travel tips, such as transporting snow globes, pies, cakes and toys, on its blog. Travelers with questions may submit them at @AskTSA via Twitter or Facebook Messenger from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays.
