Key Information for Traveling Through Tri-Cities Airport During the Winter Holiday Season

The busy holiday travel season is in full swing at the Tri-Cities Airport. Flights are expected to go out full until the beginning of 2023, so passengers should arrive early to help make their travel day as smooth as possible. We ask that those traveling the next few weeks to please keep the following in mind:
 
Allow extra time to find parking. PSC has short-term, long-term and credit-only lots available for passengers to park in, all of which are a short walk to the terminal. Lots may fill up quickly, so travelers should give themselves extra time to find an available spot.
 
Consider checking your bags. Since planes will be full, airlines will likely be checking passenger bags at the gate. Consider checking your bags to lighten your load and save time going through security and boarding the plane.
 
Be prepared for longer-than-usual TSA lines. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects passenger numbers for the winter holidays to be very close to pre-pandemic levels. Aim to arrive at least two hours before your flight to give yourself ample time to go through security and get to your gate. 
 
Think 3-1-1. When going through the security checkpoint, come prepared to follow the 3-1-1 rule for your liquids and gels: 3 ounces of liquid in a 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person. Higher quantities of breast milk, medicines, and hand sanitizer are permitted but may require further inspection. 
 
Know which holiday items can travel in your carry-on. TSA has policies that affect holiday travel. Learn ahead of time which items you can bring on the plane or need to check in your luggage.
 

• Wrapped gifts: While you can travel with wrapped presents, if your gift triggers an alarm at the checkpoint, it may need to be unwrapped for TSA officers to inspect. Instead of wrapping, consider using a gift bag or a gift box (which allows officers to remove the item without needing to unwrap it) or wrap the gift upon your arrival at your destination.
• Holiday foods: Solids like cookies or ham can be carried onto the plane in your bag. But if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then please pack anything over 3.4 ounces in your checked bag. This includes gravies, jams, and jellied cranberries.
• Snow globes: Snow globes are popular holiday gifts, but if you’re traveling with a snow globe, it needs to contain 3.4 liquid ounces or less to be in your carry-on. TSA’s rule of thumb is that if it is smaller than a tennis ball, it is probably 3.4 ounces or less.

 
Greet passengers on the curb. When picking up someone from the airport, please use the cell phone lot and have the passenger call you when they arrive and have their bags. You can then pick them up on the curb.  This minimizes congestion at the terminal, and makes a smoother holiday journey for everyone.