TSA reminds travelers of checkpoint protocols

Little Rock, Arkansas – According to the Transportation Security Administration, it is prepared to handle an increase in the number of travelers who will be flying out of Bill and Hilary Clinton Airport and other airports across the state as travel volumes pick up into the summer months.

Patricia Mancha, the Media Spokesperson for TSA-Arkansas, advises travelers to arrive two hours before their scheduled flight to avoid long lines and screening congestion due to the increase in passenger volume.

“The great news is that travel is back at Clinton National Airport. What we’re finding is that people who haven’t traveled in a minute are forgetting some of the basic rules,” Mancha said.” This is just a demonstration to show people how to organize their travel.”

According to TSA, travel volumes at LIT are almost at 100 % of pre-pandemic levels, and statewide is at the same percent.

TSA officers said they are seeing approximately 2.2 million people across the country daily during the screening process which has increased hold times.

Here are a few summer travel tips.

“We have started to see increased traveler volume at airport security checkpoints,” Federal Director of Arkansas’ TSA Tim Berror said. “Nationally, we expect to see travel rebound to near or above pre-pandemic levels this summer. It is likely that airports in Arkansas will be busier than we’ve seen in a long while.”

TSA’s top summer travel tips are:

1. Arrive at the airport early and be prepared to see a long line. Plan to be two hours early.
2. Remove all items from pockets such as wallet, keys, lip balm, tissues, and cell phones and place them into carry-on bags instead of placing the items directly into bins.
3. Enroll in TSA Pre-Check. This popular exhibited screening program allows you to leave on shoes, jackets, belts and enables them to keep their electronics and 3-1-1 bags in their carry-on bags.
4. Know before you go! Know what can and not go in carry-on bags from firearms to oversize liquids. Prohibited items result in checkpoint delays.
5. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions can call the TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying.
6. Get your REAL ID-compliant ID this summer. Travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant credential to board a flight after May 3, 2023.

For more tips and a list of prohibited items, visit TSA.gov or clintonairport.com.