TSA Rolls Out New Tech Ahead of Record Amount Of Thanksgiving Travelers

WASHINGTON DC--The TSA is expecting a record amount of travelers this Thanksgiving.

The Transportation Security Administration says it has new technology this holiday season designed to reduce wait times, like a scanner that gives officers a closer look at what's inside passengers' bags, allowing for more items to be left in the bag.TSA has also been testing biometrics technology for identity verification.

“Please keep in mind that TSA officers will be on duty during the holidays so passengers can enjoy their holidays,” Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the Upstate New York airports said. “The TSA women and men are committed to securing the transportation network and serving the traveling public to ensure that all travelers get to their destinations safely.”

The agency says 27-million people are expected to pass through security checkpoints over the holiday, which is a four-percent increase from last Thanksgiving.

“The best way to ensure a quick trip through the security screening process is to arrive early and be prepared. Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide. Travelers are encouraged to allow time to park their cars or return rental cars, check their bags with their airline, and get their boarding passes, all before heading to the security checkpoint. TSA recommends getting to the terminal at least two hours early for domestic travel and at least three hours for international travel,” the agency said in a statement.