Blue Grass Airport TSA shares travel tips ahead of Kentucky Derby

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – The Kentucky Derby is just days away.

Airports, like the Blue Grass Airport, are expecting a higher-than-normal volume of passengers.

In preparation, they’re not only bringing on additional staff but also making sure travelers know what will and will not pass through the TSA checkpoint.

“Here at Blue Grass Airport, we’re expecting somewhere between 2,600-2,700 passengers a day coming Sunday and Monday following the races,” said Mark Howell, Regional Spokesperson for TSA.

Airport officials say passengers should expect wait times.

Howell says there are some things passengers can do to help keep things moving at the checkpoint.

“Check the inside of your bag before you come to the airport. Make sure you don’t have those prohibited items in your bag.”

That includes things like firearms, pepper spray, knives, self-defense items and liquids over 3.4 ounces.

“TSA finds them and gives the passenger the opportunity to return the items to their vehicle or give them to somebody seeing them off or they can abandon them with TSA,” said TSA Agent Robbie Gray.

Gray says they’ve collected about two dozen liquor bottles just from the last 30 days or so. However, they said passengers shouldn’t be discouraged from buying a bottle as a souvenir this weekend.

“Make sure that you’re placing those in your checked baggage and that you’re wrapping them properly so that they’ll make it back to your destination without a problem,” said Howell.

Big Derby Day hats and fascinators will also be popular items making their way through security.

“If they are exceptionally large you may want to check them when you’re going back as well, so put them in a box and check them,” said Howell.

The TSA says that often, people know what’s not allowed; they’re just not paying attention when they pack.

“Make sure you check all the side pockets, front pockets. Make sure nothing is in it, and then start packing from scratch. That way, you’re not going to make any mistakes,” said Howell.

Airport officials also remind people to get to the airport early. They recommend being inside two hours ahead of your flight.

Click here for a list of approved and prohibited items.

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