Airports Buzzing: Tomorrow's Travel Rush Previewed

Want to know how busy the airport will be tomorrow? There are a few ways to find out. You can check the airport's website or app for real-time security wait times, or use an app like MyTSA or MiFlight to check delay information and historical data. You can also consider the day of the week, as weekends are generally the busiest travel days, while Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be the least busy. Keep in mind that the number of flights is not always correlated with how busy the airport is, as some flights may not be full.

Security wait times and checkpoints

Security screenings at airports are detailed checks carried out by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that can often cause high wait times. The TSA has recently deployed advanced imaging technology to ensure travel safety and security. This includes millimeter wave and backscatter imaging technology, which meets national health and safety standards. Passengers can opt out of this technology and request a pat-down from a same-gender security officer instead.

To make the security process smoother, passengers can download the My TSA application, which provides real-time updates on airport delays, information on permitted items, and other helpful tips. The application also allows users to post about their experiences to help other travellers. Additionally, CLEAR membership, available at some airports, allows travellers to bypass long lines and proceed directly to screening.

For those crossing land borders, the Border Wait Time application is available for mobile phones. It provides hourly updates on wait times for commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and pedestrians. At some airports, such as DFW International Airport, multiple checkpoints at key locations in each terminal display live wait times on maps or screens. This allows travellers to make informed decisions and choose checkpoints with shorter wait times.

It is always advisable to arrive early at the airport to account for potential delays and to give yourself ample time to pass through security checkpoints. By utilizing the available applications, membership programs, and real-time updates, travellers can make informed choices to optimize their airport experience.

TSA screenings and their impact on wait times

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security screening at airport checkpoints, and these screenings can have a significant impact on wait times. The TSA employs a range of measures, including advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors, to ensure the safety of passengers. While these detailed checks are necessary for security, they can cause delays for travellers.

The TSA uses millimeter-wave advanced imaging technology (AIT) to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives. This technology meets national health and safety standards, emitting energy at levels 1000 times less than international limits. Passengers generally have the option to decline AIT screening in favour of a physical screening, although some passengers will be required to undergo AIT screening if selected for enhanced screening prior to their arrival at the checkpoint. This requirement is based on a range of factors and will only apply to a limited number of passengers.

To facilitate the screening process and reduce wait times, the TSA recommends that travellers plan ahead and pack appropriately. Certain items, such as personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, must be removed from carry-on bags and placed separately in bins for X-ray screening. Similarly, travellers are advised to familiarise themselves with the restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols, as well as special instructions for items like baby food, breast milk, and medically necessary items. The "My TSA" mobile application is a useful resource for travellers, providing real-time updates on airport delays, information on permitted items, and other helpful tips.

Additionally, the TSA offers a range of services to assist travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, and those travelling with children. The TSA helpline and the "My TSA" app provide information on screening policies and procedures, while the "My TSA" app also features a "Can I Bring My..." tool, allowing travellers to check if specific items are permitted. For families, the TSA PreCheck® program allows children 12 and under to accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children between the ages of 13 and 17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass, which requires being on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.

Advanced imaging technology and its safety

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) is an integral part of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts to ensure safe and secure travel. AIT systems have been awarded for their innovation and ability to detect a wide range of threats to transportation security, including metallic and non-metallic objects, in a matter of seconds. This technology is particularly useful for passengers with medical devices that would typically set off metal detectors.

The TSA has been testing and deploying AIT units in airports since 2007, with over 800 machines deployed across approximately 200 airports in the United States as of 2013. Internationally, AIT scanners are used in several countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The deployment of AIT machines is in compliance with a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals, which ordered the TSA to engage in notice-and-comment rulemaking on the use of AIT for primary screening.

AIT scanners use millimeter-wave technology, which employs non-harmful radio waves that can penetrate fabrics and screen for concealed objects. These millimeter waves are 1,000 to 10,000 times less powerful than cell phone signals and do not penetrate the skin, making them safe for all passengers, including children. The energy emitted by this technology is well below international limits and guidelines, and it has been used in other fields such as medicine, astronomy, and meteorology.

The TSA has implemented procedures to accommodate passengers with disabilities or medical conditions that make them ineligible for AIT screening. For example, children under 12 years old are no longer required to undergo AIT screening and will be directed to alternative screening methods unless an accompanying adult requests otherwise. Additionally, passengers who opt out of AIT screening will receive an alternate screening method, such as a thorough pat-down.

Real-time delay updates and their sources

Real-time delay updates are crucial for travellers to plan their journeys effectively and make any necessary adjustments. Here are some sources that provide real-time delay updates and notifications:

Flighty

Flighty is a popular flight-tracking app that provides real-time updates, fast alerts, and delay predictions. It tracks the inbound aircraft for your flight and can predict delays up to 25 hours before your departure time, often notifying you of delays before the airline does. The basic version of the app is free, while a premium version offers additional features for a few dollars a week or an annual subscription of around $48.

FlightAware

FlightAware is a flight-tracking platform that provides worldwide airport delay information. It is supported by advertising, and users can help keep the service free by allowing ads from FlightAware.com. A premium account option is also available for additional features.

FlightView

FlightView offers a real-time flight tracker and provides airport delay updates for U.S. and Canadian airports. It uses cookies to improve the service and provide more personalised updates.

FAA's Flight Delay Map

The FAA provides a map-based view of flight delay information across the United States. The map is colour-coded by the duration of the delay, ranging from 15 minutes to 45 minutes or more. This allows users to quickly identify potential delays at their origin, destination, or connecting airports.

FlightStats

FlightStats provides global flight status and tracking information, including airport delays and on-time performance reports. It offers flight alerts and historical flight status data. A subscription is required to access certain features.

By utilising these sources, travellers can stay informed about real-time delay updates and make more informed decisions when planning their journeys.

Border wait times for vehicles and pedestrians

When it comes to border wait times for vehicles and pedestrians, it's important to plan ahead and stay updated with current wait times, especially when choosing from the 48 official border crossings between the United States and Mexico. Some crossings, like San Ysidro Crossing from San Diego to Tijuana and the El Paso Crossing in Texas, tend to experience heavy traffic congestion and longer wait times. Commercial vehicles should opt for crossings with dedicated lanes to expedite the processing of goods.

To make an informed decision, travellers can utilise resources such as the Border Wait Time application, which provides hourly updates on wait times for commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and pedestrians at various border crossings. This application is a valuable tool for travellers, offering real-time information to help minimise potential delays. Additionally, travellers can refer to websites like cbp.gov, which provides advisory and wait time information for both airport and border crossings.

The wait times at border crossings can be influenced by numerous factors, including drug and firearm seizures, major events, and an influx of holiday visitors. These variables can cause delays and impact the efficiency of processing travellers and goods. It's recommended to check multiple sources and utilise tools like the Border Wait Time application to make an informed decision about which border crossing to choose for your trip.

By staying informed and proactive, travellers can minimise potential delays and efficiently navigate their journey. Checking border wait times in advance and opting for crossings with dedicated lanes for specific vehicle types can significantly improve the travel experience. Additionally, being aware of any potential factors that may cause delays can help travellers manage their expectations and plan their trips more effectively.

Frequently asked questions