TSA offers end-of-year holiday travel tips for passengers departing Albany International Airport

ALBANY, N.Y. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for travelers who are planning to fly out of Albany International Airport during the upcoming end of year holiday travel period.

"We encourage travelers to plan ahead for every step of the air travel process, from getting to the airport two hours before the scheduled departure time to packing smart by starting with an empty bag, as there is no substitute for arriving early and being prepared," said Brian Bushnell, TSA's acting federal security director for upstate New York. "TSA works closely with our airline and airport partners to ensure we are fully prepared for the holiday season, and our workforce is dedicated to ensuring travelers have a smooth and successful trip."

TSA offers these tips for all flyers as they plan their upcoming holiday travel:

• Have a valid ID: Bring your REAL ID, passport or other acceptable form of identificationand have it out to show the TSA officer at the checkpoint entrance. Beginning February 1, 2026, passengers without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification will need to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security checkpoints.
• Pack smart by starting with an empty bag: Passengers who start packing with an empty bag are less likely to bring prohibited items through the checkpoint. All liquids, aerosols and gelspacked in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or less. Travelers must pack certain foods, such as sauces, jam, preserves and wine - which are considered liquids or gels - in checked bags if they exceed 3.4 ounces.
• Traveling with gifts: TSA encourages passengers traveling with gifts this holiday season to use gift bags, which they can easily open, or gift boxes with lids they can remove, so TSA officers can inspect those gifts, if necessary, and avoid the possibility of opening fully wrapped presents. Snow globes, a popular item this time of year, should be in checked bags due to the liquid inside them.

Travelers with disabilities or medical conditions may contact TSA Caresat (855) 787-2227 to request assistance while at the TSA checkpoint. For general information, visit TSA.gov.

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 @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger.

Limited time offer - TSA PreCheck^® BOGO $15 off

Between now and December 31, enroll in TSA PreCheck and get $15 offthe second enrollment when two people sign up together through authorized enrollment providers CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos.

Whether you're getting TSA PreCheck ahead of a family trip or for your child traveling back to school after the new year, this is a great chance to save time and money and travel with ease!

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