PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Officials from the Transportation Security Administration's Southeast Region toured Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
TSA officials discussed travel tips to help cope with the expected influx of passengers during the peak summer travel season.
Northwest Florida Beaches International Executive Director Parker McClellan said the airport had its busiest day in about 14 years of serving the community.
“Last month, in June, we had over 235,000 people travel through the ECP,” McClellan said. “That’s the busiest month in the airport’s history.”
The increase in travelers also means a busy day for the TSA
“Any time we have a lot of prohibited items coming through the checkpoint, especially during the morning rush hour, wait times are going to increase,” said Mark Howell, TSA public affairs officer.
TSA officials said knowing what can and cannot go through security, your checked bags and your flight will help reduce travel time.
“Explosives, flammables and anything dangerous (are not allowed),” Howell said. “As far as what is prohibited in carry-on luggage. The general rule is simple: oversized liquids, 3.4 ounces or more if they are not medically necessary. You have your blades and knives, self-defense items or club-type items, tools that exceed the 7-inch limit and any type of firearm or firearm part or replica.”
TSA officials said they have seen an increase in the number of passengers attempting to pass through checkpoints with firearms. However, firearms are not allowed at TSA checkpoints.
“The number of firearms is also up,” Howell said. “If you own a firearm, we have a lot of them here in Florida, please be mindful of where your firearm is. If you bring a firearm into the security checkpoint, you will receive a visit from local law enforcement. You will also receive a civil penalty from TSA that can be up to $15,000 and if you are a member of our TSA Pre-Check program, you will lose your eligibility for that program for five years.”
The airport is expected to remain busy until August.
Authorities recommend that weekend travelers arrive about three hours before their flight and at least two hours on weekdays.
Bill Hovis, senior security instructor for the Transportation Security Administration, said the TSA's primary goal is to keep passengers safe.
“Ultimately, the decision and the responsibility to ensure the safety of these individuals rests with TSA,” Hovis said. “We do that by screening people and property.”
If you are a passenger and are unsure of what items are allowed through the TSA checkpoint, visit the official TSA website website.
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