SACRAMENTO, California – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates steady passenger volumes through the security checkpoints at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) during the end-of-the-year holiday travel season.

Nationally, TSA expects travel volumes to be close to pre-pandemic levels. The busiest days at airport across the country from now until the end of the year are projected to be Thursday, Dec. 22, and Friday, Dec. 30. Security operations at SMF will mirror what is happening nationally.

The security checkpoints at SMF will open no later than 3:45 a.m. daily during the holiday travel rush. Due to several flights departing early in the morning, travelers can expect to encounter large numbers of people who need to be screened first thing in the morning. By mid-morning and throughout the remainder of the day, travelers can expect to see a steady flow of travelers at the security checkpoints.

“We know that during the holiday travel season, TSA officers encounter a significant number of infrequent travelers. Add to that increased passenger volumes and it guarantees a very busy checkpoint environment,” said TSA Federal Security Director for SMF Sid Hanna. “The best piece of advice I have for anyone traveling during the holidays is there is no substitute for arriving early and prepared. Every step of the travel will take extra time during the holiday travel period.”

TSA at SMF strives to staff the security checkpoints based on the number of travelers projected to depart the airport at various times during the day. Please review which airlines depart from which terminals to ensure you are screened through the correct security checkpoint.

TSA strives to get travelers through the general security screening process in less than 30 minutes and through TSA PreCheck® screening in less than 10 minutes. In November 2022, 92% of TSA PreCheck passengers nationwide waiting less than five minutes to be screened. Another advantage of TSA PreCheck is children 12 and under are eligible to be screened with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary.

Security technologies in use at SMF
TSA is using Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) to assist in the travel document checking process at SMF. CAT units are designed to scan a traveler’s photo identification, confirm the traveler’s identity and verify that the traveler is ticketed for travel that day. CAT also displays the pre-screening status (such as TSA PreCheck) the traveler is eligible for, all without the traveler presenting a boarding pass to the TSA officer. 

The use of CAT improves a TSA officer’s ability to accurately authenticate a traveler’s identification while addressing the vulnerabilities associated with photo identification and boarding pass fraud. CAT also provides enhanced fraudulent document detection capabilities.

TSA is using computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanners to screen travelers’ carry-on luggage in the security checkpoints in Terminals A and B. This type of scanner provides advanced explosives detection capabilities by applying a sophisticated algorithm to generate a 3-D image of the contents of the carry-on bag. A security screening officer can manipulate the 3-D X-ray image on-screen to allow for a better view of the bag’s contents, ultimately reducing the number of bag checks that are required.

When a carry-on bag is screened through a CT scanner, travelers can leave everything in their carry-on bag, including electronics and travel-size liquids. Another requirement of the CT scanner system is every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening.

Travel advice
TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepared for the screening experience to allow for timely completion of every step of the travel process. To help things go smoothly, please follow these tips:

#1: Pack smart.
Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in carry-on luggage. Bringing prohibited item to the security checkpoint will result in a bag check, slowing the screening process for you and all travelers behind you. Also, your carry-on is not a turkey, so please don’t overstuff it. A cluttered carry-on can lead to a TSA officer having to conduct a bag check.  

#2: Empty your pockets prior to arriving in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys and coins from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind.

#3: Know how to travel with special holiday foods and drinks.
We know that many passengers like to travel with special foods and drinks to share with friends and families during the holidays. Remember that not all foods can be transported in carry-on luggage. If you can spread it, spill it, pump it or pour it AND the quantity exceeds 3.4 ounces (which is 100 ml), pack it in a checked bag. For example, jams jellies, sauces and wines in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should go in a checked bag. Cakes, pies, cookies and breads can travel in carry-on luggage in any quantity, but may require some additional screening.

#4: Use gift bags instead of wrapping paper.
Wrapped items are screened just like any other item. If a  wrapped item alarms the security screening technology whether in carry-on or checked luggage, a TSA officer may have to unwrap it to determine what the item is and confirm it does not pose a security threat. Consider traveling with unwrapped items or placing them in a gift bag for easy access and resolution. 

#5. Text TSA.
This holiday season, TSA is offering assistance via text message to travelers who have with questions about security screening via text message. From any mobile device, a travel can text their request to “AskTSA” (275-872). A virtual assistant is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more complicated questions, AskTSA staff are available daily from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST. Passengers may still reach out to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger with questions and comments.

# 6: Download the free myTSA app.
The myTSA app is a trusted source for last-minute travel questions, providing travelers with 24-hour access to the most frequently requested airport security information. It also features a searchable “Can I Bring” database where you can enter the name of an item and find out if you should pack it in your checked or carry-on bag. The app is available from the App Store or Google Play.

#7: Listen for guidance from TSA officers.
Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. There may be information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience, so listen up!

#8. Show gratitude to frontline workers.
Thank a TSA officers, a flight attendant, a gate agent or someone who serves at the frontlines of transportation. They are all working hard so you are able to travel this holiday season. Please pack an extra dose of patience, especially during higher passenger volume travel days, and show gratitude to those who are working diligently to get everyone to their destinations safely.

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