Travel Tips

With the ease of internet, and even more so mobile apps, it is recommended passengers check in twenty-four hours in advance for domestic flights. This not only lets the air carrier know you will be present for that flight, it saves time when arriving at the airport.

Before you even begin to pack your bag, go through it first to see if anything has been left in it from a previous trip, especially if it has been used for a recent hunting or fishing trip. Everyday across the United States, guns, knives and other prohibited items are found in carry-on bags at checkpoints. This is not a discovery you want to make while going through the TSA Checkpoint. (For a detailed list of prohibited items, visit the TSA website)

You won’t miss a beat if you wrap those gifts when you get to your destination. Regardless if the gift is in your carry-on or checked bag – if that special something requires additional screening, it will end up getting unwrapped, and not by the potential gift recipient. And, if you plan on taking jams, jellies and/or sauces, it is best to put these items in your checked bag, as they will not be permitted through the TSA Checkpoint, unless under 3.4 ounces.

With the increase in travelers, wait times at the ticket counters and the security checkpoint have increased as well. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and through the security process. Nothing generates anxiety like being late for a flight then running into a wall of people who are standing in line at the ticket counter or at the screening checkpoint.  Having a little buffer of time can reduce the stress and keep your travel enjoyable. We recommend arriving two hours prior to boarding time.

To get the security screening process off to a smooth start, when approaching the TSA Ticket Document Checker have your boarding pass in hand and your valid ID ready to go. Once these items have been checked, put them away for safe keeping.

REAL ID Deadline May 7, 2025

TSA has enhanced security measures, which may add a few minutes to the screening process. To make the security process flow a bit more smoothly: All liquids going through the checkpoint must not be larger than 3.4 ounces, and must fit in a quart sized bag. Remove these items from carry-on and place in a bin.Shoes must be in a bin by themselves, or placed directly on the conveyor belt (Nothing on top of, or below shoes.)If wearing a hat, belt, coat, sweatshirt and/or scarf remove it and place in bin.All electronics* must be removed from carry-on and placed in bin(s)

• Cell phones  
• Lap tops   
• Tablets   
• Kindles   
• Video game consoles                               

While this is not all inclusive list, these six tips will help keep the hassle out of travel.   Safe travels everyone!