Thanksgiving travel could bring a record number of people through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and the Transportation Security Administration is offering tips on how people can best prepare to make it through the long lines stress-free.
Minneapolis-St. Paul TSA officials offer tips for Thanksgiving flights
Minnesota's federal security director for the Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday close to 50,000 people will go through security checkpoints Wednesday and Sunday.
November 22, 2023 at 12:34AM
Marty Robinson, Minnesota's federal security director for TSA, said Tuesday he's expecting close to 50,000 people to go through security checkpoints Wednesday and Sunday, which will likely be the two busiest days.
"It appears that this Sunday, nationally, may be the busiest day we've ever had," he said at a brief airport news conference.
Nationally, TSA expects to screen 2.7 million passengers Wednesday and 2.9 million on Sunday, which would narrowly eclipse a record set June 30.
Robinson's basic tips included getting to the airport early and, before leaving home or even as you wait, emptying out luggage bags before refilling them in order to make sure no prohibited items are left inside that would have to be fished out by TSA agents. Check TSA.gov for what's allowed.
Robinson reminded customers that they can enroll in the TSA PreCheck program at a price of $78 for five years. It allows people to move through security faster in a separate line.
In July, the airport was on pace to break a record for the most guns confiscated from security checkpoints, with 32 intercepted at the time. Robinson urged customers to make sure they have no guns in carry-on bags.
"Anything in carry-on luggage is going to be discovered, and it's up to a $15,000 fine if you're caught," he said.
The U.S. is on pace to break the record for number of handguns intercepted at security checkpoints, he added. Those traveling with a firearm or ammunition must pack it in a checked bag, unloaded, and in a hard-covered case.
Aside from the physical preparations, Robinson's main message is for passengers to bring "some of that famous Minnesota nice when you're traveling."
The busiest times will be in the early mornings and late afternoons, Robinson added.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Monday that the government has tried to better prepare for holiday travel by hiring more air traffic controllers and providing grants to airports for snowplows and deicing equipment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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