by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:50 PM ET, Fri May 3, 2019
In preparation for the 2019 edition of the Kentucky Derby, officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Louisville International Airport are providing advice and tips for travelers to make the experience more enjoyable.
The TSA is warning airline passengers they should expect higher than usual volume this weekend as people arrive Friday and Saturday for the race and then depart Sunday following the 145th running of the historic race.
Airport officials in Louisville are bracing for a potential record-breaking day for passengers screened on Sunday, with an estimated 13,000 travelers expected at security checkpoints, nearly double the usual number of departing passengers.
Louisville International also expects heavy passenger volume on Monday. As a result of the increase in passenger arrivals and departures, the TSA is recommending travelers arrive at the airport two hours before their departure time.
The TSA also posted additional tips and advice for Kentucky Derby travelers:
-Passengers traveling without checked baggage can bypass the ticket counters and save time by printing their boarding passes at home or utilizing their airline's mobile app.
-If a passenger is eligible for expedited screening, a TSA PreCheck indicator will be embedded in the barcode of the boarding pass so that when they scan the boarding pass at the checkpoint, the passenger may be referred to a TSA PreCheck lane. Participating airlines will also print a TSA PreCheck indicator directly on the boarding pass so passengers will know in advance that they have been cleared for expedited screening. Eligible passengers should utilize the TSA PreCheck lane in order to receive expedited screening.
-Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and all bottles must fit in one quart-size plastic bag and be placed in a bin for screening.
-Souvenir bottles of Kentucky bourbon in bottles larger than 3.4 oz. must be transported in checked baggage. Louisville International Airport offers a complimentary wrapping service to cushion breakable items so that they can be transported safely in checked baggage. There will be two wrapping stations, staffed by the airport's Volunteer Ambassadors, located near the airline ticket counters on the east and west sides of the ticketing lobby.
-Passengers are encouraged to use the airport's mobile website to access flight status, schedules and airline contact information.
-Many of the hats worn at the Kentucky Derby are ornate and delicate. Passengers placing these hats in checked baggage should carefully pack or box them to avoid damage.
-For further questions about TSA procedures and upcoming travel, please call the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673.
-Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions may call the TSA Cares toll-free helpline, 1-855-787-2227, 72 hours prior to traveling with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
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