In a press release issued on November 13, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it expects this holiday travel season to be the busiest ever. During the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period period, November 17 – 26, TSA expects to screen 30 million passengers.
The agency has issued the following tips for an easier travel experience:
- Pack smart; start with empty bags. Passengers are prohibited from packing firearms in carry-on luggage and bringing them to the airport security checkpoint and onboard aircraft. Passengers can check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov. or just ask @AskTSA.
- Bring an acceptable ID and have it out in the screening lane. Identity verification is an important step in the security screening process. At many checkpoints, the TSO may ask you to insert your physical ID into one of our Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units, where a boarding pass is not needed. The second generation of CAT, called CAT-2, is currently deployed to 25 airports and adds a camera and smartphone reader to the other CAT features. The camera captures a real-time photo of the traveler at the podium and compares the traveler’s photo on the identification credential against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, the TSO verifies and directs the traveler for appropriate security screening without ever exchanging a boarding pass. Photos are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Passenger participation is voluntary and if a passenger chooses not to have their photo taken, they may have their identity verified manually instead without losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology to enhance security effectiveness, improve operational efficiency and yield a more streamlined passenger experience, go to https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/factsheets/facial-recognition-technology.
- Arrive early. TSA recommends arriving two hours prior to the scheduled flight to allow for adequate time to check bags and go through security screening before arriving at the gate.
- Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology. TSA uses a variety of security methods and technologies to secure our transportation systems. Screening protocols vary from airport to airport, depending on available technology and the current threat environment.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.