Prohibited items slowing down travel process at RIC

With the arrival of spring break, Transportation Security Administration officers are bracing for a wave of Virginia travelers, as well as a wave of lines at the checkpoints at airports statewide, including Richmond International Airport.

TSA officials are seeing a new rise in travelers at the RIC – those who haven’t traveled in a long time as well as first-time travelers. In addition, officials have noticed a rise in slow progression at security checkouts because of an influx of passengers bringing items that are listed as prohibited, such as liquids, gels, and aerosols that are larger than 3.4 ounces.

TSA Federal Security Director, Robin “Chuck” Burke, is advising travelers to ensure that they don’t have any prohibited items with them and to arrive at the airport as early as possible.

“It’s important to get to the airport well ahead of your flight—at least 90 minutes,” said Burke. “It’s likely to take a little longer to find a parking spot. There are lines at airline check-in counters and lines at the security checkpoints. Expect it and prepare for it by arriving well ahead of your departure time.

“Our TSA officers are seeing a lot of prohibited items at checkpoints, which results in more bag checks that can slow checkpoint lines.”

For details about what you can and can’t bring with you through checkpoints, visit www.tsa.gov/travel.