TSA, Newark Airport prepare for heavy spring break travel demand during March

Amanda Wallace , NorthJersey.com

The weather we are currently seeing in New Jersey may not scream bathing suits and flip flops, but college and university students around the country are likely to disagree as spring break is on its way. Even if they are not going on the coveted trip to a spring break destination, they are still putting away their books and preparing for the car, train, or airplane ride home for break.

As spring breakers pack, plan, and prepare for their upcoming travels, the Travel Safety Administration (TSA) is also getting ready.

According to a press release from TSA, they are up for the challenge as heavy travel volume is expected during the peak spring break travel season which begins on March 7 and continues through March 25.

"TSA screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and we expect that trend to continue this year," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in the release. "So far in 2024, travel volumes are trending at nearly 6% above the same period in 2023."

In anticipation of heavy travel, TSA plans to work closely with airlines and airports to meet the demands of travelers and try to keep TSA wait times at 30 minutes or less.

Navigating Newark Airport during spring break

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), its commercial airports have retained momentum into 2024 after record-breaking passenger volume in 2023. PANYNJ expects that trend to continue through 2024.

The PANYNJ controls Newark Liberty International Airport, JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, New York Stewart International Airport and Teterboro Airport.

In anticipation of the increase in travel demand during times like spring break, the PANYNJ works in partnership with the FAA, TSA, customs and border protection, airlines, and stakeholders to accommodate heavy travel and work to deliver consistently high levels of customer service.

The PANYNJ is advising travelers to allow as much time as possible when traveling, especially during busy times such as spring break.

Domestic travelers should arrive two hours before their flight and international travelers should arrive three hours before their flight, according to the PANYNJ.

If you are traveling to or from Newark Airport this spring break, you can check the Newark Liberty website at newarkairport.com for real time information about TSA security wait times, parking lot availability and booking, directions for public transit, airport or construction updates, and AirTrain maps and schedules.

You can also follow @EWRairport on X, formerly Twitter, for live alerts.

"We are delighted to serve our passengers at our airports. They are among the busiest in the world and passengers are coming back," says the PANYNJ travel tips website. "Expect traffic, crowds, lines and all the things you love about the New York, New Jersey area."

When is spring break?

Most of New Jersey’s major colleges and universities have spring break scheduled for either next week, March 9 through March 17 or the following week March 18 through March 24.

After that, spring break will start to kick in for the younger students with most New Jersey public and private school districts scheduling their spring breaks in late March to mid-April.

TSA's spring break travel tips and tricks

In anticipation of spring break travel, TSA released a list of tips to make airport navigation easier.

Here are some tips and tricks from TSA for smooth travels:

  • Start packing with an empty bag to avoid accidentally packing prohibited, unwanted, or unneeded items.

  • Follow the 3-1-1 rule. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry on bags as long as they are 3.4 ounces or less and are placed in a one-quart sized bag. Each passenger is allowed a single one quart-sized bag of 3.4-ounce items.

  • Unloaded firearms must be packed in a locked, hard-sided case in checked baggage only and must be declared to the airline.

  • What can I bring? Check the TSA website for a full list of allowed and prohibited items.

  • Arrive at checkpoints with a mobile or printed boarding pass and valid ID readily available. Many airlines will allow you to check in before you even arrive at the airport through the airline's mobile app.

  • Arrive at airports early, making sure that you leave enough time for traffic, parking, rental car returns, airline check-in, security screening, and making any airport purchases before boarding.

  • Enroll in TSA PreCheck for a faster screening.

  • Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions can call the TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227 with any questions or concerns. If you call at least 72 hours prior to travel, arrangements can be made for travelers with specific needs.

  • Remain vigilant while traveling, if you see something say something.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Spring break: TSA, Newark Airport prepare for heavy travel

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