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Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials are warning South Florida passengers to brace for hundreds of thousands of fellow fliers to pack Miami International Airport (MIA) during the Thanksgiving holiday.
That said, they actually expect peak congestion to occur after Turkey Day, noting that Saturday through Monday is the nuttiest period of Thanksgiving-related travel. According to TSA projections, more than 640,000 passengers are expected to go through airport screening this week, with 78,000 expected on Saturday, 84,000 on Sunday, and 75,000 on Monday.
Despite having a heaping helping of added passengers on their plates, TSA officials expect new technology upgrades to move lines more swiftly. MIA has opened a renovated security checkpoint on Concourse D. “Equipped with advanced screening technology, the upgraded checkpoint is designed to process passengers 30 percent faster than traditional lanes, thanks in part to an automated bin return system capable of handling 500 bins per hour,” the agency writes in a press release.
“This cutting-edge checkpoint enhances both security and efficiency,” MIA security director Stephen Taber elaborated in a statement. “By combining the latest technology with streamlined operations, we’re delivering a smoother, faster experience for travelers while upholding the highest safety standards.”
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To help passengers breeze through checkpoints over the Thanksgiving holiday, the TSA assembled a list of common holiday travel items that are cool for travelers to carry aboard.
Approved items for carry-on bags include:
- Baked goods such as pies, cakes, cookies, brownies, etc.
- Solid meats like turkey, chicken, ham, steak (frozen, cooked or uncooked)
- Stuffing (cooked or uncooked)
- Cooked Mac and cheese (in a pan)
- Solid casseroles
- Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, cranberries, potatoes, yams, etc.
- Candy and spices
Cerain other items are permitted but must be transported in checked bags, including:
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- Gravy
- Canned fruits or vegetables
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Maple syrup
- Wine, Champagne, and sparkling cider
Miami New Times has assembled a list of more helpful tips to help passengers survive the holiday rush, which begins with perhaps the most important tip: Don’t arrive on Miami time.
Don’t Arrive on ‘Miami Time’
Miami’s notorious traffic will no doubt be more chaotic this week, so prepare to leave for the airport hours ahead of your flight time. Paying for checked bags before the airport will help save you from the ubiquitous airport counter consternation felt by millions this time of year.
Consider Alternate Parking
Use the discounted economy park-and-ride lot to save a few bucks on parking and avoid the pandemonium of MIA lots.
Some lots cost as little as $2.75 a day and offer shuttle services to the MIA terminal — a steal compared to the $25 maximum daily rate at MIA’s main garages. If you stick with the pricier options, the Dolphin garage serves concourses D and E, and the Flamingo garage serves concourses E through J, per MIA’s parking guide.
Brace Yourself for Delays
MIA offers up-to-date flight information online and on its mobile app. Many airlines also allow passengers to check its mobile app for updates on flights and sign up for notifications.
Keep essentials like medicine, travel documents, a phone charger, and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your flight gets delayed and you don’t have access to your checked bag.
