If you’ve had your fill of taking off your shoes and belt, unpacking your laptop and other hassles while traveling, the folks at South Bend International Airport and the Transportation Security Administration — the TSA — suggest you consider enrollment in the TSA PreCheck system coming up the week of June 25th at South Bend.
Earlier this week, on Thursday, June 14th, the TSA provided travelers with some tips and advice on what is and is not permitted in your carry-on bags when traveling by air, and shared a display of prohibited items stopped by officers at South Bend.
The TSA also invited travelers to look into temporary TSA Pre✓ enrollment offers that will take place at SBN all week from Monday, June 25th through Friday the 29th.
TSA Pre✓ allows flyers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels in a carry-on bag. Travelers who want to enjoy the benefits of TSA Pre✓ on a consistent basis are encouraged to apply to the program.
TSA Pre✓ not only benefits the individual traveler, but the travel experience is improved for the entire traveling public as the TSA Pre✓ population grows. They remind you, it’s not too early to consider as summer travel approaches.
Appointments are available from 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm daily. Customers can pre-enroll and schedule appointments by way of the Universal Enrollment Services at the link below, or by calling (855) 347-8371. Walk-in enrollments are accepted; however, appointments will be taken as a priority. Here’s the link:
TSA Pre✓ is valid for five years and costs $85. Applicants will meet with a trusted agent in the airport’s business center across from the Delta ticket counter to verify their identity, capture ID documents and fingerprints, collect payment, and provide a receipt.
TSA is preparing for another record-breaking travel season this summer, as 243 million passengers and crew are projected to pass through security checkpoints nationwide between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Last summer, TSA screened more than 239 million passengers and crew during the same period, which included four of the top ten busiest days in the agency’s history.
To support that surge, TSA began planning with airline and airport partners to increase screening capabilities earlier this year. The agency has also increased its checkpoint staff by more than 600 officers since the beginning of the year and expects to increase by another 1,000 officers before the peak of this year’s summer travel season. Additionally, TSA plans to have approximately 50 more Passenger Screening Canine teams operational this summer.
As a reminder, TSA recently completed the roll-out of enhanced screening procedures and there are a few things passengers can do to assist TSA with keeping wait times to a minimum this summer:
- Tweet or Message AskTSA. Issues receiving TSA Pre✓ on your boarding pass? Unsure if an item is allowed through security? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays, 8 am to 10 pm and weekends/holidays, 9 am to 7 pm. You can also reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
- Prepare for security. Avoid over packing your carry-on bag and consider checking bags when feasible. Remember to have a valid ID and boarding pass readily available. If you are traveling abroad, be aware of the recent changes to international travel carry-on items.
- Call TSA Cares. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint as well as arrange for assistance at the checkpoint.
- TSA Passenger Support Specialists are available. Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a passenger support specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance.
For more about South Bend International Airport, visit them online at www.FlySBN.com
