Travel Tips

PTI recommends passengers follow these travel guidelines for a safe and stress-free travel experience.

• Know what 3-1-1 means. When packing your bags, keep in mind TSA’s 3-1-1 security measures regarding liquids and gels.
• Limit your carry-on baggage. Airlines have been enforcing tighter restrictions on the amount of baggage you can carry on the plane. Generally, one bag that fits under the seat or in the overhead bin and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, is allowed.
• Handle prohibited items properly. Remember that firearms, ammunition and knives are prohibited at the TSA checkpoint. The TSA website has a complete list of prohibited items.
• Food items. Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted through security checkpoints, but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance.
• Gifts. TSA recommends that passengers do not travel with wrapped packages. In order to determine if the contents of a package are a threat, a security officer may need to unwrap and inspect the item.
• Remember your ID. Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight. And please note that beginning May 2025 adult passengers will be required to have a passport or Real ID.
• TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening. This program, recently implemented at Piedmont Triad International Airport, prescreens individuals who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying to potentially expedite the screening experience. At the checkpoint, participants may receive screening benefits including leaving on shoes, light jackets and belts. For more information, visit TSA’s website.
• Screening procedures for passengers 12 and under. TSA has implemented new procedures that reduce, though not eliminate, pat-downs of passengers 12 and under that would otherwise have been conducted to resolve alarms while also ensuring effective security measures.
• Screening procedures for passengers 75 and older. TSA has implemented modified screening procedures for passengers 75 and older. Changes are similar to screening procedures for passengers 12 and under and improve screening by better focusing resources on passengers who may be more likely to pose a risk.
• Schedule enough processing time. We recommend all passengers arrive in the terminal approximately one-and-a-half to two hours prior to departure. With enhanced security checkpoint procedures and other screening measures in place, passengers should allow adequate time for security checks.
• Be flexible. Not all trips through the security checkpoint will be exactly the same because of TSA’s layered screening approach. It includes an element of unpredictability that is easy for passengers to navigate but difficult for terrorists to manipulate. Remember, security activities are designed to protect you, your family and loved ones, and are not meant to be inconvenient.
• Use line time efficiently. Most likely, no matter when you get to the airport you will have to stand in a security line for some time. While you’re waiting, take off your jacket and watch, put your phone and loose change in your carry-on, and have your 3-1-1 bag out and ready. This way when you reach the front of the line you can quickly put your items in the bin.