TSA visits ECP offering travel tips

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Officials with the Transportation Security Administration’s Southeast region visited Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

TSA officials discussed travel tips to help out with the influx of passengers expected during the busy summer season.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Executive Director Parker McClellan said the airport has seen its busiest day in its approximately 14 years of serving the community.

“Last month in the month of June more than 235,000 people went through ECP,” McClellan said. “That is our biggest month in the history of the airport.”

An increase in travelers also means a busy day for TSA

“Whenever we have a lot of prohibited items come through the checkpoint especially in those peak periods of the morning those wait times are going to grow,” said TSA Public Affairs Mark Howell.

TSA officials said it is knowing what can and cannot go through security, your check-in luggage and on your flight will help cut travel time.

“Explosives, flammables and anything that’s hazardous material (is not allowed),” Howell said. “In terms of what’s prohibited for carryon bags. The simple rule of thumb is oversized liquids, 3.4 ounces or more if they’re not medically necessary. You got your blades and knives, self-defense items, or club-like items, tools that are over the 7-inch limit and any kind of gun or gun part or replica.”

TSA officials said they have seen an increase in the number of passengers attempting to bring guns through the checkpoints. Guns are not allowed through TSA checkpoints.

“The number of guns, those are on the rise as well,” Howell said. “If you are a gun owner, we have a lot here in the state of Florida, please pay attention to where your firearm is. If you bring a firearm to the security checkpoint you are going to get a visit from local law enforcement. You’re also going to get a civil penalty from TSA which can go upwards of 15,000 dollars and if you’re a member of our TSA pre check program you’ll lose eligibility for that for five years.

The airport is expected to remain busy through August.

Officials recommend weekend travelers to arrive about three hours before your flights and at least two hours during the week.

Transportation Security Administration Master Security Training Instructor Bill Hovis said TSA’s main goal is to keep passengers safe.

“Ultimately the decision and the responsibility lies on TSA to keep these people safe,” Hovis said. “We do that through the screenings of the persons and the property.”

If you are a passenger and are unsure what items are allowed through the TSA checkpoint visit the official TSA website.

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