TSA prepares for busy Thanksgiving travel at Miami International Airport, unveils faster checkpoint and holiday food packing tips

MIAMI - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Miami International Airport (MIA) is fully prepared for a very Thanksgiving travel period. From Monday, November 24 through Tuesday, December 2, TSA anticipates screening more than 640,000 passengers at MIA.

The peak travel days are expected to occur after Thanksgiving, with Saturday, November 29; Sunday, November 30; and Monday, December 1 projected to be the busiest.

Just in time for the holiday rush, MIA has opened a newly renovated, state-of-the-art security checkpoint at Concourse D (Checkpoint 2). Equipped with advanced screening technology, the upgraded checkpoint is designed to process passengers 30% faster than traditional lanes, thanks in part to an automated bin return system capable of handling 500 bins per hour.

"This cutting-edge checkpoint enhances both security and efficiency," said Stephen Taber, TSA federal security director at Miami International Airport. "By combining the latest technology with streamlined operations, we're delivering a smoother, faster experience for travelers while upholding the highest safety standards."

The $5.2 million renovation is part of Miami International Airport's $9 billion "Modernization in Action" (M.I.A.) Plan, a multiyear initiative to transform the entire airport over the next 5-10 years.

Holiday Travel Packing Tips: What Foods Can Fly?

To help travelers breeze through security with their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, TSA offers the following guidance:

Items ALLOWED in carry-on bags:

• · Baked goods (pies, cakes, cookies, brownies, etc.)
• · Solid meats (turkey, chicken, ham, steak - frozen, cooked, or uncooked)
• · Stuffing (cooked or uncooked)
• · Solid casseroles
• · Cooked mac and cheese (in a pan)
• · Fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, cranberries, potatoes, yams, etc.)
• · Candy and spices

Items that MUST go in checked bags (or risk being surrendered at the checkpoint):

• · Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• · Gravy
• · Canned fruits or vegetables
• · Jams, jellies, and preserves
• · Maple syrup
• · Wine, champagne, and sparkling cider

Important reminder: Any food item larger than 3.4 ounces that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped, or poured (think liquids and gels) must be packed in checked luggage.

Travelers uncertain about a specific item can use the free MyTSA app's "What Can I Bring?" tool, text "Travel" to AskTSA (275872), or message @AskTSAon X or Facebook Messenger.

TSA also recommends placing food items in an easily accessible part of carryon bags and removing them for separate screening to avoid delays. For items that need to stay cold, ice packs are permitted only if completely frozen at the checkpoint.

For additional food safety guidance during travel, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's holiday food safetyrecommendations at FDA.gov.

Limited time offer - TSA PreCheck®

For a limited time, enroll in TSA PreCheck and get $15 off the second enrollment when two people sign up together through authorized enrollment providers, CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos.

Whether you're getting TSA PreCheck for your child traveling back to school or prepping for a family vacation - this is a great chance to save time and money and travel with ease!

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