TSA to Discuss Summer Travel Tips at TLH Thursday, July 18

TSA to Discuss Summer Travel Tips at TLH Thursday, July 18

July 16, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Summer travel is well underway, and with the season's increased volume, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials at Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) are working hard to keep travelers safe and help them reach their destinations efficiently.

Eight of TSA's top-ten busiest days nationwide have occurred in 2024, with daily volume regularly reaching between 2.85 and 2.95 million passengers. At TLH, the upward trend in travel is significant with TSA officers screening 284,748 passengers in the first half of 2024-an increase of more than 17 percent over the same time period last year.

TSA officials will address the media at TLH on Thursday, July 18, with tips and projections for summer travelers. A presentation of prohibited items commonly detected at the TLH security checkpoint will be on display.

TSA knows travelers put a lot of time and effort into planning the perfect getaway, so it provides the following tips and tricks to help make sure your special trip gets off to a great start:

Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule. Make sure to start with an empty bag to avoid packing any prohibited items. Any liquids (including alcohol), sunscreen containers, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. These items are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

Unloaded firearms must be packed in a locked, hard-sided case in checked baggage only and must be declared to the airline. Travelers who bring firearms or other weapons to the security checkpoint face consequences. To avoid delays at security, passengers should search TSA's "What Can I Bring?" webpage.

Be checkpoint ready and bring a valid ID. Arrive at the checkpoint with a mobile or printed boarding pass and readily available valid ID. Listen closely to and follow instructions from TSA officers for guidance through the screening process. Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. 2024 is a good time to get your REAL ID. Contact your state DMV for more information.

Arrive early and be patient. Travel volume increases significantly in the summer months, especially around holiday weekends. Passengers should give themselves plenty of time, factoring in traffic, parking, rental car returns, airline check-in, security screening and making any airport purchases needed before boarding a flight. Remain patient and remember everyone around you is also on their own journey. Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint, the gate area or in flight may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges.

Call ahead to request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. If you call at least 72 hours prior to travel, TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs. For more information, visit the TSA Cares website.

Ask TSA before you travel. Contact TSA over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. Passengers may also send a text directly to 275-872 ("AskTSA") on any mobile device. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekends/holidays. An automated service is available 24/7.