TSA expecting higher passenger volumes at Burlington International this summer

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Burlington International Airport (BTV) is prepared for a very busy summer travel season. TSA anticipates that daily average summer passenger volumes at BTV will match and probably exceed those of last year.

On BTV's busiest days, TSA officers are currently screening about 2,240 people a day. However, TSA expects to screen closer to or more than pre-pandemic screening numbers, when they were screening 2,300 people per day in June 2019.

"The increase in BTV daily passenger volume is mirroring what we are seeing around the country. We are thankful that our security checkpoints have highly-trained security professionals and new technologies that enhance security," said Chuck Woyat, TSA Federal Security Director for Vermont. "To help expedite the screening process, we ask that passengers have their IDs out and ready to present to the TSA officer or to insert into the Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machine."

This summer passengers flying out of BTV will encounter Computed Tomography x-ray scanners. These units provide TSA officers the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and simplify the search of the bag's contents. Passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 bag, laptops or other electronics.

The busiest days to travel locally and nationally are Thursdays and Fridays as well as Sundays and Mondays. TSA strives to get travelers through the general security screening process in less than 30 minutes and through TSA PreCheck screening in less than 10 minutes.

BTV passengers also play an important role in the security process. By being prepared, passengers can help simplify their travel experience. Here are some helpful TSA tools and travel tips:

Tip 1: Pack smart; start with empty bags. Airline passengers who pack for travel with empty bags are less likely to bring prohibited items through a TSA checkpoint. Technology and modifications help reduce the need for physical contact with TSA officers; but, those who take time to come prepared for the TSA checkpoint are far more likely to avoid delay and physical contact. Check for prohibited items by using the "What Can I Bring?" page on TSA.gov.

Tip 2: Know before you go. Airports, like highways, have high traffic surges and construction delays. Plan to arrive at BTV two hours prior to check in, check bags and complete security screening in time to avoid stressful sprints to the departure gate. At the TSA checkpoint, have a valid ID card readily available and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less.

Tip 3: Secure items in your carry-on…not in bins. When removing items from pockets such as phones, keys, lip balm, tissues and loose change, travelers should secure those items into their carry-on bags instead of placing them in bins. This saves time, reduces stress and is more sanitary.

Tip 4: Contact TSA for help if there are questions or concerns. Travelers can get live assistance by tweeting questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. TSA Cares, a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances can be reached by calling TSA Cares at 855-787-2227, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck® to "Travel with Ease." By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, airline passengers can avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the TSA checkpoint. Most new enrollees receive their known traveler number within three to five days, and membership lasts for five years. Throughout the month of May, 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes.

On Monday, the agency announced that teenagers aged 13-17 may now accompany TSA PreCheck® -enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen's boarding pass. Children 12 and under may still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian when traveling through the TSA PreCheck lanes anytime without restriction.

The summer travel season officially gets underway Memorial Day weekend and runs through and beyond Labor Day weekend.

For additional information about security screening or more travel tips before a summer trip, visit TSA.gov.