Traveling Over Spring Break? So Is Everyone Else, According To TSA

It is officially spring break, with many schools starting their vacations at the end of this week and having the first week of April off. If you or the family plan to fly anywhere over break, you may arrive at the airport a little earlier than usual.

Read More: Spring Break Plans? See If You're Flying on Boeing 737

TSA Will Be Busy

According to a press release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airline travel hit an all-time high last year, and they don't expect that number to drop anytime soon. TSA Administrator David Pekoske claims that

Already in 2024, travel volumes are nearly 6% above the same period in 2023.

With the airports already busier than usual, the first big break of the year mixed with unseasonably warm weather means people are more than ready for vacation. Since waits will be longer, here are a few tips to make the lines move quick and make your travel more stress-free.

Read More: Major TSA Change Could Dramatically Affect How You Travel

Arrive Early

This is an obvious recommendation, but showing up at least 2-3 hours early for your flight will ensure you can get any bags checked, make it through TSA, and find your gate with time to spare for food or a bathroom break.

Check-In Early

Most flights let you check into your flight online up to 24 hours in advance. This can save you from having to print out a boarding pass at the airport if you get a virtual boarding pass.

Look into TSA PreCheck

If you travel often or if you're traveling with a large party, it might not hurt to look into TSA PreCheck. I travel pretty often and have been using TSA PreCheck for a while, and it has made TSA an absolute breeze. For $78 for a five-year membership, you and children 17 and under get access to an exclusive line that is significantly shorter than the main line, with waits being less than 10 minutes. If you want to enroll, you can here.

Review the "What Can I Bring" Page When Packing

TSA can be very picky about you're allowed to bring on a flight, especially when it comes to liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes (do not be that guy with a full water bottle having to drink the whole thing in line). There is an entire webpage of what you can bring and how much of a thing you can bring on a flight on the "What Can I Bring?" page.

If you're traveling over break, give yourself time: you don't want to start things on a sour note.