TSA Tips For Easy Summer Travel At New SLC International

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Before you head to the airport this summer, officials at Salt Lake International reminded travelers about a few changes heading into the new airport’s first summer travel season.

TSA said officers have screened an average of 1.5 million people per day nationwide. They predicted that number will steadily increase. Salt Lake International expected local travel numbers to reflect the national trend.

Airline passengers who purchased tickets for flights out of Salt Lake City should plan to arrive early so they can navigate the new layout and deal with COVID-19 safety guidelines.

“I cannot stress this enough, to arrive two hours prior to your flight departure so you can do every step from curb to gate,” said TSA spokesperson Lorie Dangers.

Planning to fly in/out of #TheNewSLC for the first time? Check out this video for an overview of how to navigate the new facility. Be sure to plan plenty of time because not only is the new airport bigger, but you'll want to check out the new shops and restaurants. Safe travels! pic.twitter.com/fRsYPYCNnT

— SaltLakeCityAirport (@slcairport) April 27, 2021

The busiest time of day at TSA security checkpoints are 7 a.m., 10 a.m., and 2 p.m. The busiest days of the week are Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays the TSA said.

Each passenger can bring one 12 ounce bottle of hand sanitizer. Masks are required in airports and on planes.

TSA warned to never bring firearms through security. Agents confiscated 50 firearms at the security checkpoints so far this year which is ahead of 2020 and 2019 on this date. TSA said most of the weapons were loaded. Fines start at $10,000, regardless of whether you have a permit.

The TSA also announced it needs to fill 20 full-time jobs and five part-time jobs. Two virtual job fairs were scheduled for Thursday, May 20 from noon to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sign up by texting “SLC” to 95495 or at Indeed.com.

TSA Tips To Make Summer Travel Easier:

• 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. For general screening travelers, wear shoes that are easy to slip off and on.
• Secure loose items in your carry-on. When removing items from pockets such as phones, keys, wallets, or change, place them in carry-on luggage instead of placing them in bins. Avoid placing personal items and food directly in bins.
• Traveling with hand sanitizer. TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. Passengers may also bring hand wipes of any size or quantity through security checkpoints.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck®. People can “Travel with Ease” and experience a smoother screening process by enrolling in TSA PreCheck®. Eligible travelers do not need to remove shoes, belts, light outerwear, laptops, electronics larger than a cell phone, or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage. There is a local enrollment center located at 3667 W. 1897 S., Building 6 in Salt Lake City. In April 2021, 98% of travelers eligible for TSA PreCheck waited five minutes or less to be screened at airports nationwide. Another benefit of the program is that children 12 and under are permitted to use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary.