TSA stresses importance of “Know Before You Go” for travel out of BWI Airport

Sep 27, 2023

LINTHICUM, Md. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is staffed and ready for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend of travel and has some advice and tips to make the checkpoint screening process go smoothly.

“Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the TSA security screening process and ease a passenger’s travel experience at the airport,” says Christopher Murgia, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland. “That’s why it is important to know what can be packed in carry-on and/or checked baggage before arriving at the airport.”

The most common thing that slows down a traveler at a TSA checkpoint is having a prohibited item in a carry-on bag, and with passenger volume nationwide exceeding pre-pandemic levels nationwide, and with recent checkpoint volume often topping 2.7 million travelers per day, it is even more important for travelers to “Know Before You Go” by knowing the contents of their carry-on bags and ensuring that everything packed inside is permitted to be carried onto a flight.

“We are seeing a lot of travelers arrive at our checkpoints with beverages and a variety of knives,” Murgia says. “It’s important to remember that liquids, gels, aerosols and spreadables are limited to 3.4 ounces in one clear quart-sized bag in carry-on bags. Finish that bottle of water, energy drink or cup of coffee before you get to the checkpoint. Pack the larger shampoo, toothpaste, sunblock and hair gel in a checked bag. As for knives, if you must travel with a knife, please pack it in your checked bag.”

TSA’s advice is that when a traveler is ready to pack for a trip that it is best start with an empty bag so the passenger knows with certainty what they have inside and they know that there is nothing prohibited in a side pouch, zippered pocket or just in the bottom of a bag. That goes for backpacks, roller bags, handbags, messenger bags, shoulder bags, laptop bags, duffle bags and any other carry-on bag or luggage.

TSA offers five convenient ways to find out if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither.

It’s also important to remember that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.