ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Thanksgiving travel is around the corner, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is giving helpful packing tips.
The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be busy with travelers, and it is important to make sure there are no items on person or in bags that are prohibited through checkpoints,
TSA is said to be screening 18.3 million people from Tuesday, November 26 to Monday, December 2, which is a 6% increase in travel from this time last year. The busiest travel days are set to be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and the Sunday after.
It is important to remember what you pack in bags before traveling through checkpoints. If you are uncertain of things to pack click here to learn what you can pack and in which bags.
Consider the following when packing for your Thanksgiving flight.
- Start with an empty bag. When packing for your trip, start by dumping all the contents out of your backpack, roller bag, messenger bag, duffle bag, handbag, or whatever else you are using to tote along your belongings. Open those zippered or Velcro pockets to make sure there is nothing inside those compartments. Then start packing from scratch. This way you know with certainty that there are no prohibited items inside. There’s no knife in a zippered pocket; no bullet that is lodged in a corner; no bottle of water in that side pocket. Yes, starting with an empty bag when you’re packing can save you a headache at the checkpoint.
- Know before you go. If you are ever unsure as to where an item should be packed—in a carry-on or a checked bag—just ask us. Yes, really! We have several ways to help you quickly find out where to pack an item. Our www.tsa.gov website has a handy “Can I bring?” feature in the top right-hand corner of the homepage. Type in an item and you’ll find out where it should be packed. Another helpful way to find out where to pack an item is to download the free myTSA app, which has that same handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask us on social media via X (Twitter) or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
- Thanksgiving is a food-lovers holiday, and we know that passengers will be traveling with food. We’re okay with that as long as you’ve packed it in the right place. Most foods can be carried through a checkpoint, however some items will need to be transported in checked baggage. Here’s some food for thought. If it’s a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint. However, if you can spill it, spread it, smear it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag. TSA has an online list of common Thanksgiving-themed foods that people travel with and where to pack them.