RIC sets daily passenger screening record

It wasn't only RIC that attracted higher-than-normal levels of travelers prior to the Memorial Day weekend; almost 2.9 million people were screened at 430 airports in the nation on the same day, the second-highest number in TSA's 22-year history.

“The fact that our officers screened so many people on Thursday is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our TSA workforce,” said Robin "Chuck" Burke, TSA's federal security director for RIC. “Holiday travel periods are always somewhat hectic, but our officers remain focused on their mission and they continue to do so in an efficient and courteous manner to ensure that travelers get to their destinations safely.”

TSA officials encourage travelers to get to their airports early; know in advance what they can and cannot bring onto an airplane; have an acceptable form of identification ready; and never leave any luggage unattended.