Avoca, PA (November 19, 2024) – Some 1,000 travelers per day will be screened at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) over the Thanksgiving holiday season as they pass through the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint.
With the Thanksgiving holiday period just a week away, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport officials are advising passengers to plan ahead for potential record-breaking air travel.
As is customary, Tuesday and Wednesday will be the heaviest travel days for those flying to their holiday destinations next week, while the Sunday after the holiday will be the single busiest day for any Thanksgiving-related travel.
TSA takes many security measures, seen and unseen, while working closely with industry partners such as airlines and airports to enhance the traveling experience and ensure every passenger arrives to their destination safely.
“For those travelers who have not been to the airport in a while, it is suggested you don’t cut your travel plans close by waiting until the last minute to arrive at AVP,” stated Eric McKitish, Director – Marketing, Communications & Air Service Development. “It has been four years since we weren’t able to get together traditionally, and this Thanksgiving holiday is shaping up to be the busiest for air travel since the pandemic began.”
The best way to ensure a quick trip through the security screening process is to prepare, prepare, prepare.
Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide. To facilitate the security screening process, travelers should arrive at the airport early. Travelers are strongly encouraged to check in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. Once checked in, proceed directly to the security screening checkpoints. At least 30 minutes prior to departure, travelers should be at their departure gates, ready to board. The extra time is to ensure that passengers have time to park their cars or return rental cars, check their bags with their airline, get their boarding pass and hit the restroom—all before heading to the security checkpoint.
While TSA concentrates on aviation security operations, travelers can assist by coming to the airport prepared. Here are some helpful travel tips to make the security checkpoint experience go smoothly during the holidays – and throughout the year:
- Know what to expect at the airport. The busiest times at the security checkpoint at AVP are the early morning hours, however, there could be additional busy times during holiday travel. Arrive early. During the peak holiday travel rush, arrive at the Airport at least two hours prior to your flight departure to ensure adequate time to be screened through the security checkpoint. By arriving early, you should arrive at your gate with time to spare.
- Dress for security screening. Simplify your experience by avoiding bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories and large belt buckles since these types of items are likely to require additional screening. Remember to remove all items from your pockets and secure them in your carry-on bag before being screened at the security checkpoint.
- Bring an acceptable form of identification – TSA recommends a REAL ID-compliant ID.
- Travel with TSA PreCheck – TSA PreCheck allows travelers to go through security without following the usual protocol, such as taking off shoes, taking out laptops and removing food from luggage.
- Organize your carry-on bag. Electronics larger than a cell phone should be easily and quickly accessible. For non-TSA PreCheck passengers, all electronic devices larger than a cell phone should be placed in bins for x-ray screening with nothing on top or below.
- Know what you can and cannot take with you in your carry-on – For example, liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on luggage should be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces. This includes Thanksgiving foods like gravy, cranberry sauce, jam and preserves, as they are considered liquids and gels. Solid foods, such as cakes and other baked goods, as well as turkey, ham and kielbasa, can be packed in carry-on bags.
- Firearms – If carrying a firearm, pack the firearm properly in a hard-sided, locked case and put it in your checked bag. You must also declare the firearm with the airline while checking in at the airline ticket counter.
- Special assistance – If you or a family member require additional assistance through security, you can request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist, who can help individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or other needs that require additional assistance.
- 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 in carry-on or checked luggage, a TSA officer may have to unwrap it to determine what the item is. Consider traveling with unwrapped items or placing them in a gift bag for easy access and resolution.
- Traveling with foods. Baked goods and other solid foods are allowed in carry-on luggage. This includes breads, cookies, candies and meats. However, jams, jellies, sauces, gravies or other liquids need to be in quantities of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less to travel in your carry-on. Anything over 3.4 ounces needs to be placed in a checked bag.
- Travel-size liquids reminder. Remove travel-size liquids, gels and aerosols (3.4 ounces or less) from carry-on luggage. Ensure they can be quickly and easily accessed. Any quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should be placed in checked baggage.
About AVP
AVP currently offers travelers approximately 30 daily arrivals and departures, which includes non-stop flights to multiple destinations, with one-stop service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. AVP and their airline partners have added six (6) additional destinations so far in 2024! Air service is provided by the following airlines: American (Charlotte, Chicago-O’Hare, and Philadelphia; Breeze (Fort Myers, Myrtle Beach, Orlando and Tampa); and United (Chicago-O’Hare and Washington-Dulles. For more information, call 1-877-2FLYAVP (235-9287), visit flyAVP.com, follow @flyAVP on Twitter and flyAVP_ on Instagram, connect with us on Facebook, or download the flyAVP app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
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