Prep To Handle the TSA Shortages

The travel headlines have been more dramatic than your local community theatre, especially when you hear about the long lines due to the current TSA staffing shortages. But before anyone starts canceling flights or stress-packing three weeks early, let’s slow down and take a breath. Ahhhh…better? Here’s the reality.

Airports and airlines are used to adjusting when staffing fluctuates, and while it does seem to be getting a bit more frustrating right now, most travelers won’t experience major disruptions. (fingers and toes crossed) A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your travel day on track with a little less stress. Here are a few tips to make thing go a little smoother:

• Pack your patience! Everyone is trying to get through security smoothly, so having a little bit of extra patience will help you stay calm.
• Arrive a little bit earlier than usual. Give yourself an extra buffer in case security lines are in fact longer than expected.
• Use the airport apps. Most major airports, and even some small regional ones, have real time security line wait times, as well as what is happening in and around the airport. As of the date of this post, DTW is showing less than a 6 minute wait in the McNamara terminal and 8 minutes in the Evans terminal.
• Have your ID ready. Don’t wait until you walk up to the first screener to dig through your wallet to find it.
• Smart pack and dress for the security line. Make sure you are fully aware of the items that you can and cannot bring through security. Keep items that need to be removed from your bags like laptops and liquids easily accessible. Wear easy slip on and off shoes, and if you need to wear layers to stay warm, keep it to one layer and make sure they are easy to remove like a light sweater or jacket.
• Avoid things like belts with large metal buckles, bulky metal accessories/jewelry, shoes that take a long time to take off/unlace.
• When you get ready to remove items from your pockets to put them in security bins, don’t forget your smart watch! These tend to always set off the scanners.
• Check your bag for any forgotten open beverages like bottled water and sodas. Drink it or pour it out before getting in line.
• Put your mobile devices in the bin or in your bag, and pay attention to directions given by the TSA officers because procedures can vary by airport.
• Once you have passed through the screener, don’t stand in front of the baggage conveyor and block the area for others trying to retrieve their bags to “redress”. Take all of your personal items as quickly as possible, and move to the nearest bench. Most airports provide a space right after security where you can repack your bags and put your shoes, coats, and accessories back on. This holds up the lines more than people realize.
• If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, consider applying for this well in advance of your trip. Sometimes it can be applied for and approved within 4-6 weeks, but don’t wait too long to apply.
• Remember to stay calm and polite!

And my final tip, travel with a plan! Working with us at Rock & Roam Adventures will mean that you never have to navigate travel alone. It’s like we’re your own personal concierge in your back pocket. Even if you aren’t utilizing our services, you should always have a plan, and a backup plan, in case unexpected changes happen.

Travel is still one of the most incredible experiences in the world, so don’t let things that are out of your control ruin your next adventure!

ROAM THE WORLD, NOT THE INTERNET!™