By Sentinel Staff
The Transportation Security Administration has issued a media alert for travelers about situations when the number of departing passengers on the three early morning flights from the Sitka airport “exceeds the capacity of the TSA security checkpoint.”
The problem is related to the one Delta and two Alaska Airlines flights departing between 6 and 7 a.m. daily.
“This is why TSA is asking travelers arrive early and prepared to allow for completion of every step of the travel process,” said TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers in the emailed alert. The Sitka airport TSA checkpoint is open “no later than 4:30 a.m. daily,” Dankers said.
In a follow-up email to the Sentinel Dankers said:
“I think travelers should assess what they need to do at the airport (park vs. being dropped off; check a bag vs. carry-on luggage; print a ticket at the kiosk vs. use the boarding pass on their phone; etc., etc.) and then make sure they allow extra time for each step since they will have others around them trying to do the same thing.
“If I was on a flight out of SIT between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., I would arrive at 4:30 a.m. to ensure that I was at the front of the line for security. Less stress that way and that would be a good way to start my trip.”
In answer to a question from the Sentinel she added:
“If people are there by 4:30 a.m., YES! They will definitely make their flight!!”
In the media alert, the TSA said that to help speed the TSA screening process passengers should consider checking luggage to reduce the number of carry-ons to be screened, and to be aware of the list of prohibited carry-on items “from knives to overized liquids,” which cause delays when discovered at checkpoints.
The advisory cites the myTSA app “What can I bring?” feature that allows travelers to type in the item to find out if it can fly. “Or ask us on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA,” Dankers said.
The TSA said travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint as well as arrange for assistance at the checkpoint.
