Tsa Lines At Norfolk Airport: Efficient Or Exhausting?

Norfolk International Airport is a small airport with varying wait times for security. The TSA emphasizes the integration of variable security protocols, and while expedited screening is not assured, TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints. The airport also provides real-time wait times on digital displays at each security checkpoint, and passengers can also check iFly's Flight Tracker for the most current information. The TSA also has a free downloadable app called MyTSA, which has a quick search function that lets travelers know which items they can bring through the checkpoint and onto the plane.

TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints at Norfolk Airport

TSA PreCheck is available with varying hours across the two checkpoints at Norfolk Airport. For Concourse A, the hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. As for Concourse B, it operates Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Monday, Friday, and Sunday from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. However, it is important to note that these hours may change based on operational needs.

Norfolk Airport provides real-time wait times on digital displays at each security checkpoint, including TSA PreCheck. These times are estimates and can vary, so travelers are encouraged to arrive well before their flights to accommodate security screening and airline check-in procedures. The recommended arrival time at the airport is 90 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can pre-enrol online, make an appointment, and complete their enrolment at local application centres. During the appointment, they will need to verify their identity, provide documentation for citizenship/immigration status, and provide fingerprints.

Norfolk Airport has also implemented new Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) to improve checkpoint screening capabilities. This technology confirms the validity of a traveler's identification and flight information in real time, enhancing the detection of fraudulent IDs and passports.

TSA PreCheck hours vary across checkpoints

For Concourse A, the hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Concourse B operates Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Monday, Friday, and Sunday from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

These hours may change based on operational needs. The airport provides real-time wait times on digital displays at each security checkpoint, but these times are estimates and can vary.

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that offers expedited security screening at participating airports. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes. To enroll in TSA PreCheck, individuals can follow the three steps outlined on the TSA website, which include submitting an application, completing enrollment at a chosen provider, and obtaining a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to their airline reservations.

TSA's 'Know Before You Go' advice for Norfolk Airport

TSA's Know Before You Go advice for Norfolk Airport is designed to make the checkpoint screening process as smooth as possible for passengers. Planning ahead and packing properly can help to facilitate the TSA security screening process and enhance a passenger's overall travel experience.

Packing Advice

TSA advises passengers to start with an empty bag when packing for a trip. This way, passengers can be certain of the contents of their luggage and ensure that no prohibited items are present. This advice applies to all types of bags, including backpacks, roller bags, handbags, messenger bags, shoulder bags, laptop bags, and duffle bags.

Prohibited Items

TSA offers several convenient ways for passengers to find out if an item is prohibited or allowed in carry-on or checked baggage. Firstly, passengers can visit the TSA homepage and click on the "What Can I Bring?" feature in the upper right-hand corner. Here, they can type in an item to determine its packing requirements. Alternatively, passengers can download the free MyTSA app, which includes a quick search function to check which items are permitted through the checkpoint and onto the airplane. Passengers can also send their questions to @AskTSA on Twitter or via Facebook Messenger. They can even text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872) to inquire about packing requirements for specific items.

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program that allows travelers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, as well as their laptops in cases and compliant liquids/gels bags in carry-on luggage. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can pre-enroll online at www.TSA.gov, make an appointment, and complete their enrollment at local application centers.

Additional Tips

• Norfolk Airport provides real-time wait times on digital displays at each security checkpoint, but these are estimates and can vary. It is recommended to arrive well before your flight to accommodate security screening and airline check-in procedures.
• Norfolk Airport Authority maintains a 24-person fire department specially trained in aircraft rescue and firefighting. Drills are conducted regularly, and the Authority's manpower readiness and firefighting equipment surpass the Federal Aviation Administration's mandates.
• Norfolk Airport's Park & Wait Lot is a free waiting area for those picking up arriving passengers.
• Norfolk Airport does not offer currency exchange services.
• For items lost within the airport terminals, contact Norfolk Airport Police at 757-857-3823 or email [email protected].

TSA's MyTSA app helps travellers prepare for security

The MyTSA app provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. The app helps travellers prepare for security in several ways. Firstly, it offers a searchable database of items that can and cannot be brought in checked or carry-on bags. This allows travellers to quickly search which items they can bring through the security checkpoint and onto the airplane. In addition, users can consult the TSA Guide within the app to learn how to prepare for and get through the security checkpoint quickly. The app also provides information on which airports and airlines support TSA PreCheck® and explains how to sign up.

MyTSA also offers features that help travellers manage their time at the airport more efficiently. For example, users can check delay information at their chosen airports and view how busy the airport is likely to be on their specific day and time of travel based on historical data. They can also check crowd-sourced TSA security checkpoint wait times at their chosen airport and add their own wait times for others to see. This helps travellers arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight to accommodate security screening and check-in procedures.

The MyTSA app is available for download on personal electronic devices via the iTunes and Google Play app stores. It has been recognised as the Best Government Mobile App by the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council and was named one of the Top 15 Government IT Innovators by the TSA.

While the MyTSA app provides general information to help travellers prepare for security, specific protocols and procedures may vary across airports. For example, at Norfolk Airport, TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints but with varying hours. Therefore, travellers are advised to check the official websites of the TSA and their chosen airport for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding security protocols and wait times.

TSA's screening requirements must be met to access the gate area

Norfolk International Airport is a small airport that generally has manageable security wait times. However, it is always recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight to accommodate security screening and check-in procedures. TSA PreCheck is available at both security checkpoints at Norfolk International Airport, offering a streamlined screening process for enrolled passengers.

TSA's screening procedures are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the airport's sterile area. These procedures include screening approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. Passengers may also be subject to pat-down procedures to determine whether prohibited items or threats are concealed on their person. These pat-downs are conducted by officers of the same sex and may involve the back or front of the hand, depending on the situation. Passengers who normally receive expedited screening may still be subject to pat-downs.

Passengers with head coverings, loose-fitting, or bulky garments may be subject to additional security screening, including pat-downs. Religious knives, swords, and other objects are not permitted through the security checkpoint and must be packed in checked baggage. Passengers with metal body piercings may also be subject to additional screening or asked to remove them in private.

The TSA also provides guidance on travelling with firearms, and passengers should contact their airline for specific policies on firearm and ammunition carriage. Additionally, passengers are allowed to carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers (3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters) and are limited to one quart-size bag of these items. Food can be packed in carry-on or checked baggage but must undergo x-ray screening, and foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Frequently asked questions