FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2024
PDF: TSA Spring Break Travel Tips
TSA offers spring break preview, travel advice to departing passengers
Fresno-Yosemite International Airport
FRESNO, Calif. – With the start of the spring break travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is forecasting a busy travel season for travelers departing from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
Nationally, the spring break travel season began on Thursday, March 7 and will continue through Monday, March 25. During this period, TSA expects to screen more than 47.7 million travelers at security checkpoints at airports nationwide. This is a 6% increase from the 2023 spring break period.
Locally, the peak spring break period coincides with the schedules of major local unified school districts as well as the semester break at Fresno State University when classes are not held. This year, the travel rush begins on Friday, March 22 and continues through Sunday, April 7. During this period, TSA expects to screen more than 59,500 departing travelers through the FAT security checkpoint. This is an increase of 9.2% from last year's spring break period at FAT.
The busiest days of the week for security operations at FAT are Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. The busiest times at the security checkpoint are 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 10 p.m.-midnight. The busiest days projected during this spring break will be Friday, March 22; Thursday March 28 and Sunday March 31.
The FAT security checkpoint is open 24 hours a day. Due to several flights departing early in the morning, travelers can expect to encounter a large number of people who need to be screened first thing in the morning. However, travelers can expect to see a constant flow of travelers at security checkpoints throughout the day.
With construction underway at the security checkpoint, as part of the terminal expansion project, screening capacity is temporarily reduced. However, TSA will continue to staff all available lanes during peak hours to ensure security operations remain efficient and convenient for travelers.
TSA strives to move travelers through the general security screening process in less than 30 minutes and through TSA PreCheck.® screening in less than 10 minutes. Ninety-nine percent of TSA PreCheck passengers nationwide waited less than five minutes to be screened. Another benefit of TSA PreCheck is that children 17 and under can be screened with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary.
Security technologies used at FAT
TSA uses Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) to facilitate the process of verifying travel documents at FAT. CAT units are designed to scan a traveler's photo ID, confirm their identity, and verify that the traveler has a ticket for travel that day. CAT also displays the pre-screening status (such as TSA PreCheck) for which the traveler is eligible, all without the traveler presenting a boarding pass to the TSA agent.
Use of CAT improves a TSA officer's ability to accurately authenticate a traveler's identification while addressing vulnerabilities associated with photo identification and boarding pass fraud. CAT also offers enhanced fraudulent document detection capabilities.
The TSA also uses computed tomography (CT) x-ray scanners to screen travelers' carry-on bags at security checkpoints. This type of scanner provides advanced explosives detection capabilities by applying a sophisticated algorithm to generate a 3D image of the carry-on baggage contents. A security screening officer can manipulate the 3D x-ray image on screen to allow a better view of the bag's contents, thereby reducing the number of bag checks required.
When a carry-on bag is screened by a CT scanner, travelers can leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronic devices and travel liquids. Another requirement of the CT scanner system is that each cabin item must be placed in a bin for screening.
Travel Tips
TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepare for the screening experience to enable timely completion of each step of the travel process. To ensure everything goes well, please follow these tips:
#1: Pack smartly.
Prepare for security measures when packing and make sure there are no prohibited items in carry-on luggage. Bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint will result in a baggage screening, which will slow down the screening process for you and any travelers behind you.
#2: Empty your pockets before arriving at the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys and coins from your pockets in your hand luggage instead of throwing them in the trash. This will ensure that personal items are not left behind.
#3: Know the rules for traveling with liquids
The TSA defines a liquid as anything that can be spilled, spilled, pumped or poured. If the quantity of this item exceeds 3.4 ounces (or 100 ml), package it in a checked bag. Any liquid exceeding this size will result in a baggage check, slowing down the line for everyone. Bring an empty water bottle to the security checkpoint so you can refill it after security.
#4: Listen to the advice of TSA agents.
Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the instructions provided at the security checkpoint. TSA agents provide advice on security technologies used at FAT. Listen for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience!
#5. Text TSA.
TSA now offers text assistance to travelers who have questions about text security screening. From any mobile device, a traveler can text their request to “AskTSA” (275-872). A virtual assistant is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more complex questions, AskTSA staff are available for live assistance daily from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PDT. Passengers can always contact @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to ask questions and comments.
#6: Download it for free myTSA application.
THE myTSA The app is a trusted source for last-minute travel questions, providing travelers with 24-hour access to the most frequently requested airport security information. It also includes a searchable “Can I Bring” database where you can enter the name of an item and find out whether you should put it in your checked bag or carry-on bag. The application is available on the App Store or Google Play.
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The Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the nation's transportation security.
systems and guarantee the freedom of movement of people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely
with the transportation, law enforcement and intelligence community to set the standard of excellence in
transport safety. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov.
