Federal TSA directors say they expect to screen 18.3 million people during Thanksgiving travel week, which would set a new record for the holiday.
“Everything will be busier with traffic, parking and lots of families traveling through the airport,” said Jim Spriggs, TSA federal security director for Illinois. “We strongly recommend arriving at the airport two hours before your flight… avoid the stress and give yourself a little extra time.”
Officials expect Tuesday and Wednesday to be the busiest of the weekend, with Sunday, Dec. 1, being the busiest in terms of returning travelers.
Air travel at Chicago airports reached, and in some cases exceeded, pre-pandemic levels over the past holiday weekends, officials say. The high volume of traffic could also lead to longer lines at TSA checkpoints.
At O'Hare on Thursday, federal security experts reminded travelers to “pack smart” to avoid slowing checkpoint lines.
“If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it's not a solid and should be in your checked bag,” Spriggs said.
They also encourage passengers to start packing with an empty bag to ensure no weapons are accidentally left inside. These mistakes could cost travelers a fine of up to $15,000.
“More than 125 firearms have been discovered in carry-on bags here at O'Hare and Midway combined (this year), Spriggs said. “When we discover prohibited items, those items must be subject to baggage screening, it still takes several minutes to move them. and the more items we find, the longer it takes everyone to pass the checkpoint. »
