Jacksonville, Florida – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says Thursday and Friday will be the busiest travel days leading up to New Year’s Day.
Roads will also be busy as people return home after Christmas.
The return journey is often more difficult. There are goodbyes that are always difficult, but there is also additional baggage to consider.
There was a huge rush at Jacksonville International Airport from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Thursday. During those two hours, the wait for normal travel was over 30 minutes at the TSA checkpoint.
Jennifer Hall says she didn’t see the line long ago. She was checking in for a flight to Puerto Rico at 6 a.m. Thursday to surprise her son for his birthday.
“I’ve never experienced that before in a long time,” Hall said. “But the plane won’t leave for another hour and a half, so we’re in pretty good shape.”
Remember that all gifts that someone is traveling with should be unwrapped.
In most cases, liquids larger than 3.4 ounces are not allowed in your bag, but there are some exceptions.
Exceptions to this rule include items in an infant’s diaper bag such as formula, bottles, breast milk, or those who require liquid and cream medications.
Nathaniel Ford Jr. was returning home to Miami after spending Christmas with family in Jacksonville.
He says he’s used to being prepared to go through TSA security checkpoints, especially during the holiday seasons.
“I got a whole bunch of gifts that I’m going to take home now,” Ford said. “I have some vitamins and a beanie and everything. My dad got me the hat. You always have to be a little conscious. I have my laptop in my bag. I’ll make sure that when I get there I take my laptop out right away. You just have to Being a professional traveler is what it comes down to during holidays, you just have to know what you’re doing and you can’t not know what you’re doing, because that’s when things are a complete mess.
According to the TSA, if you can pour, spray, pump or pour it, it must be in a checked bag.
The firearm must be properly packed in a locked, hard-sided bag in checked baggage. The passenger must declare the presence of a firearm while checking in for his or her flight at the ticket counter.
The TSA is expected to screen about 40 million people through January 2.
It says air travel is up 6% this year compared to this stretch in 2023.
Booking information from AAA shows flights cost 4% more in 2024 than last year. The average domestic ticket price is $830.
Raymond Cable travels to Holland, Michigan, where he works. He will return to his home in Green Cove Springs in February 2025.
He says he flies a lot, which is why he decided to travel light. He says it helps reduce potential delays in going through security.
“I usually try to come home once a month,” Cable said. “I’ve been flying a lot. I have a lot of delays sometimes. Sometimes things go well. I usually try to travel light because I have everything at home and I have an apartment there. It makes it kind of easy. I don’t have to check any bags.
TSA encourages travelers to arrive at their airports at least two hours before their scheduled flight if it is domestic.
People must add an extra hour to that time if they are taking an international flight.
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