TSA at Miami airport has seen more guns and more people. What to know for travel rush
Thanksgiving weekend traffic was a record-breaker at Miami International Airport, and the federal agency that handles security there wants passengers to prepare for an even busier travel season in the days right before Christmas through the beginning of January.
“The number of people we screened [the Sunday after Thanksgiving] was 81,900 people, which is the highest we ever had here, and I’m expecting that to go up several thousand over the next two weeks,” Stephen Taber, the Transportation Security Administration’s federal security director at Miami International Airport, told the Miami Herald.
Taber said airport officials estimate about 2.7 million passengers will use the airport between Dec. 21 and Jan. 6.
This increase in traffic means long lines at TSA security screening checkpoints, so Taber said those traveling domestically should arrive at the airport two hours before their departure time, and those on international flights should arrive three hours before their flight is scheduled to take off.
“That way they have plenty of time to get their bags checked in, to get through the TSA process and get to their gait,” Taber said.
The TSA is bringing on additional staff to handle the influx of people expected over the next couple of weeks, and this includes K-9 handlers who will be walking through the security lines so the dogs can sniff people’s bags to detect items of concern before people reach the X-Ray machines.
“Our K-9 handlers will provide an extra layer of security for us, but they also help us expedite the screening process,” Taber said during a media briefing at the airport on Wednesday.
MORE: Did you lose your booze, teeth or Trump hat at Miami airport? There’s a way to find them
No guns on carry-ons
An issue that has caused problems at the airport all year is people bringing firearms in their carry-on luggage, Taber said.
Every case turned out to be someone accidentally packing the gun. But even then, it can create a dangerous situation and cause delays at TSA checkpoints, Taber said.
“Over this last year, we’ve had 86 guns come through our checkpoints, and in most cases, those guns have been loaded, which is a great concern to me,” he said.
That said, people can pack a firearm for a trip “but they have to do it correctly,” Taber said.
“A firearm can go in a checked bag. And, in order to do that, they need to declare it to the airline, and it needs to be unloaded, and it needs to go in a locked, hard-sided container,” he said. “If they do that, they can travel with a firearm with no issues whatsoever.”
Failing to follow these procedures can not only lead to an arrest, violators also face a fine from the TSA of almost $15,000. And, if the passenger is a member of the TSA Pre-Check program, they can lose their status for up to five years.
The TSA also urges people not to bring anything that resembles a gun, including toys and items like cigarette lighters shaped like firearms.
MORE: Heading to the airport for Christmas travel? Take note of parking issues at MIA and FLL
Unwrap those gifts
During the holiday stretch, another issue that could cause delays is passengers traveling with gifts. To avoid unnecessary delays, the TSA urges people not to carry wrapped gifts.
“If we do have a wrapped gift that we need to search, unfortunately, we’re going to have to unwrap that gift, and we don’t want to do that,” Taber said.
Instead, the TSA recommends using a gift bag or gift box.
No terror alerts
Taber said that despite the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and the resulting protests and terror threats in the U.S. and abroad, there “is no specific threat in South Florida” connected to the conflict.
The TSA made this determination through its own intelligence agents who work with other U.S. intelligence agencies, Taber said.
“And, I think, just in general, we like to keep a high level of readiness. So, if there was some concern, I know that with our partners in the Miami-Dade Airport Division, the Miami Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies here in South Florida, that we would be prepared in order to address those concerns,” he said. “But, the public should not be concerned about any time of threat like that at this time.”
What else you should know about the airport
MORE: Miami airport expands facial-recognition verification of passengers’ identities
The TSA also recommends the following tips to help with a smooth trip at the airport:
▪ If you’re bringing liquid gels or aerosols in a carry-on, the containers must not exceed 3.4 ounces.
▪ Solid foods are OK to pack on carry-ons.
▪ For more on what you can and cannot bring on the plane, got to TSA.gov or download the TSA app and click on “What can I bring.”
▪ Miami International Airport has an app for travelers to can get detailed information on departure times and real-time TSA wait times at all checkpoints.
▪ The agency recommends becoming a TSA Precheck member, which can significantly limit the amount of time spent in security lines because members don’t need to remove their shoes and belts or take their laptops out of their bags. The program is honored by 90 participating airlines at more than 200 airports across the nation.
▪ Those with disabilities or in need of additional assistance are eligible for the TSA Cares Assistance program. To take part in it, call 855-787-2227 three days prior to travel., or register online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares.
This story was originally published December 20, 2023 at 5:01 PM.
