As the summer travel season draws near, the TSA is urging passengers to be prepared when they arrive at security checkpoints. Watch video
NEWARK -- Laptops removed from their bags. Cell phones, keys and change out of all pockets. No drinks, period.
As the summer travel season inches closer, passengers are bracing themselves for the long security lines that have recently struck Newark Liberty International Airport.
Extended wait times have irritated travelers so much, in fact, that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has threatened to replace the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) with private security if the federal agency fails to shrink the lines.
The problem is compounded by the Federal Aviation Authority's plan to remove caps on takeoffs and landings that have been in place since 2008. Starting Oct. 30, the airport will no longer be limited to 81 flights per hour -- a move passenger advocacy groups say will only lengthen screening times.
As the number of travelers increases, more people are bringing carry-on bags than before, according to the TSA. Combine that with more robust screening and fewer budgeted TSA officers than in past years, the agency says, and passengers are left with a headache.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson last week said his department would increase the number of TSA officers, promote TSA Pre-Check and work with airport staff to streamline non-security screening operations.
The department is also asking Congress to approve reprograming of current TSA funds in order to quicken the hiring of 768 new officers and to pay overtime to current officers.
For now, the TSA is asking fliers to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones.
And, they said, remember the rules:
- Use the TSA website before you leave home to learn what items are prohibited. Call the helpline at 866-289-9673 with any questions.
- Put all liquids in containers 3.4 oz. or smaller and all bottles in one quart-size plastic bag.
- Tell the TSA officer if you're traveling with larger amounts of liquid medications so they can be screened separately.
- Have your identification and boarding pass ready when you arrive at security.
- Take laptops, other big electronics and the liquids bag out of your luggage.
- Consider minimizing bulky jewelry, scarves, accessories and belts that could slow you down during screening.
- Remove all objects from your pockets.
- Take off your shoes and put them on the X-ray belt.
- Make sure to take all your belongings once you've been screened.
In a demonstration Thursday, the TSA simulated 10 passengers going through security when they followed all the rules and then when forgotten liquids, scissors and laptops held them up.
When all travelers were ready for screenings, they passed through in two minutes and forty seconds.
When some weren't? Eight minutes and 33 seconds.
The point of the exercise: to show travelers they can help shorten the screening process by arriving with all their ducks in a row.
Watch our video above to see the demonstration play out.
Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati. Find NJ.com on Facebook.