TSA Travel Tips for Winter Holiday Travel Period

With a high number of travelers taking to the skies during Thanksgiving week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for the Winter Holiday travel period by providing tips and tricks.

TSA officials said the most important information for travelers to know in 2020 is related to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, subsequent travel restrictions and mandatory health and safety protocols.

Here is what every travel needs to know before heading to the airport for the holidays.

As a result of the pandemic, the TSA has implemented changes to the security screening process to reduce the potential for cross-contamination, dubbed the "Stay Healthy. Stay Secure." campaign.

The procedures meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include facial coverings and gloves for TSA employees, mandatory mask requirements for travelers, social-distancing guidelines, increased cleaning, adjustments to carry-on limitations and more.

Each state and city have different travel restrictions due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, with some destinations allowing visitors if they present negative test results and others mandating 14-day quarantines for interstate arrivals.

TSA officials warn travelers to double-check their baggage before arriving at the airport to ensure no prohibited items are hidden inside. Passengers will be able to bring holiday food through the security checkpoints, but holiday drinks like eggnog should be the checked luggage.

To help answer common questions, the official TSA website offered a helpful tip about whether the food should be taken in a carry-on or stowed in a checked bag.

"Here's some food for thought: If it's a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint. However, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it's larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag," the statement read.

Liquids in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

The TSA expects a high number of travelers to pass through airports across the U.S. this Winter Holiday travel season, but one way to avoid the congestion and stay safe would be to sign up for TSA PreCheck.

Not only is TSA PreCheck an easy way to avoid the long security lines, but it also reduces touchpoints, as travelers will not be required to remove their shoes, belts, lightweight jackets, electronics or their bag of travel-size liquids and gels.

Officials from the TSA recommend signing up as soon as possible to ensure travelers are approved in time for the holidays.

One of the keys to staying safe during a journey is reducing touchpoints and the myTSA app is the perfect way to avoid transmission. The app answers the most common airport security information and provides helpful tips when preparing for security.

The myTSA app also includes a searchable "Can I Bring" database that lets travelers know if something should be packed in checked or carry-on bags. Other features include up-to-date flight delay information and TSA PreCheck lane directions.

Travelers can find the myTSA app on iTunes or Google Play.

Travelers heading to the airport for the holidays can check if their gifts should go in a carry-on bag or whether they should leave their snacks in the checked luggage by sending their questions to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger.

The TSA's official Twitter account will also offer helpful travel tips and updated information.