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As the holiday season approaches, a surge in air travel is expected at major airports in and around New Jersey, including Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. According to the Transportation Security Administration, these airports are predicted to experience significant congestion over the next couple of weeks.
The same busy conditions are also expected at other airports in and around the state, including Atlantic City International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Trenton-Mercer Airport. The high passenger volumes during the holiday season often lead to longer wait times at security checkpoints and potential flight delays.
Compared to the previous year, the TSA anticipates a six percent increase in national air travel on the three busiest days of the holiday season. These peak travel periods are projected to fall on a Thursday, a Friday, and New Year's Day. This increase aligns with the American Automobile Association's forecast, which predicts a record-breaking 7.5 million air travelers during the year-end holidays.
In light of this anticipated influx, TSA officials urge passengers to avoid bringing wrapped gifts in carry-on luggage, as security officers may need to unwrap them at checkpoints. This precaution aims to maintain the efficiency of security checks and reduce potential delays.
Additionally, the TSA has issued a reminder about its regulations regarding liquids, that containers must be 3.4 ounces or less - and all liquids for a passenger must fit in a quart-size bag. Homemade preserves, despite their solid appearance, fall under the category of liquids. Therefore, these items must be placed in checked baggage to comply with the TSA's liquid rules.
While paid services such as TSA PreCheck and Clear can help reduce the wait to get through security, most airlines recommend arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight - and 3 hours before an international flight.