Preparing For A Busy Travel Summer

I read in a recent article that the number of passengers expected to travel through airports this summer are at a record high, with peak periods during June and July......just when I want to travel!!!

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expected to screen more than 2.5 million passengers A DAY during the upcoming busy travel season. Of course over the past few months they have been anticipating this surge and have added more officers and canine teams at many of the major airports, but it is still incumbent on the traveler to take a little responsibility in helping things to run smoothly.

The summer travel period begins with Memorial Day holiday, just a few days ago, and continues until about the 3rd week of August. TSA expects their busiest day to be June 30, leading up to the July 4 holiday weekend.

One way us travelers can help the process is to use a little common sense. TSA reports that passengers continue to attempt to bring weapons on board. Knives and other sharp objects are forbidden. Tell me about it!!! I attempted to board a plane at our beautiful Abilene airport the other day, and emptied my pockets in the little tray. Included in my pocket was my money clip that had been in my pocket for 4-5 years; really, I had never noticed that there was a little knife/file in one side of the clip. I had carried it on many departures, but the Abilene TSA agent spotted that “illegal” money clip and was going to keep it. I got it back, but that's another story!!! Just to say, make sure if you are flying somewhere this summer, use whatever common sense you have to board the airplane.

According to TSA, travelers can help limit delays by arriving early with the expectation that there will be delays for traffic, parking, rental car returns, and airline check-in. Travelers should arrive at least up to two hours in advance of their appointed flight time, even a little earlier for international flights.

Remember the liquids rule. Containers with liquids, gels, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all those containers must fit inside a single quart-size plastic bag to be placed in the bin for carry-on screening, even sun block and tanning lotions.

One other thing that a lot of folks forget is to not take your bottled water before going through security. That TSA agent will smile as they take it away and put it in a bin that is loaded with other plastic water bottles. After you go through security, you can purchase bottled water or soda and take with you on the airplane without a problem. Also, since the carriers are not furnishing any kind of meal service on board, many folks purchase their breakfast or lunch sandwich and take them on with them. All, of course, after you go through security.

These busy summer travel tips are brought to you by the experienced travel agents at The Travel Factory. We not only do a lot of ticket, tour, and cruise selling, we do a whole bunch of advising; that's because we have a lot of experience, in fact the combined years experience of the 4 agents in our office is almost 150 years!!! Give us a call at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040. Or drop in for a visit at 4150 Southwest Drive, at the Plaza at Park Central between Rosa's and Chick-Fil-A. Let us help you get outta town!!!