DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The Transportation Security Administration is asking potential travelers to be aware that the security checkpoint experience looks much different to those who have not flown since the start of the COVID pandemic.
TSA employees and airport personnel at Dallas Love Field Airport said on Tuesday that they are prepared to handle the increased travel volume this summer. According to the agency, TSA officers are screening approximately 1.5 million people daily nationwide, which is a large increase from last year, but still down significantly from 2019, when closer to 2.5 million people were screened daily during the summer.
At Dallas Love Field Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, TSA officers have discovered an increased number of prohibited items at airport security checkpoints. In April, TSA officers at DAL discovered over 40 stun guns and TSA officers at DFW discovered over 60 stun guns in traveler’s carry-on bags during the security screening process, from January to April. In addition to stun guns, TSA officers have discovered items ranging from hidden blades in combs, lipstick cases and flashlights, gun replicas and toys, novelty grenades as earbud chargers, salt and pepper shakers and other household items, pepper spray, lighter fluid and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 oz.
“It is very refreshing to see so many travelers back in the terminal,” City of Dallas Department of Aviation Mark Duebner said. “At this time last year, we didn’t know what our recovery would look like and now we’re approaching 2019 levels of travel.”
Everyone who is in the airport is required to wear a mask as prescribed by the federal mask mandate. This means that all travelers must be wearing a mask at TSA airport screening checkpoints, throughout the airport and during their flights. If a traveler does not have a mask, a TSA officer will offer a mask to that individual at the checkpoint. If the traveler declines to wear a mask, they will not be permitted through the checkpoint.
“Travelers are going to notice that the checkpoint screening process looks somewhat different today than it did before the pandemic,” said Amy Williams TSA’s Federal Security Director for DAL. “Upon arriving at the checkpoint, travelers will notice reminders to socially distance themselves from other travelers while in checkpoint lines. When they get to the travel document checking podium, travelers will see our TSA officers wearing masks and gloves. Most will be positioned behind new acrylic barriers to reduce exposure and close contact with passengers. Many TSA officers may also be wearing face shields or goggles.”
TSA employees will be conducting routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and security screening equipment at the checkpoints. The agency is now allowing travelers to bring one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice.
To reduce touchpoints, TSA recommends travelers place items from their pockets such as wallets, keys, lip balm, tissues and cell phones into their carry-on bags to be screened instead of putting items from their pockets directly into bins.
Individuals who are planning to travel this summer are being asked to consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck®.
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