Grand Rapids, MI – The Spring Break season is traditionally the busiest time of year at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and both the airport and TSA are preparing for the rush.
Due to additional passenger volume beginning this weekend and continuing through April, parking lots and terminal facilities are expected to be full. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects longer security lines and urges passengers traveling to arrive at the Airport at least two hours prior to departure time.
In order to expedite the security screening process, passengers should carefully consider the contents of their checked luggage and carry-on bags. The TSA also recommends wearing shoes that are easy to remove, having ID and boarding passes ready to present at security checkpoints and ending all cell phone conversations prior to screening.
“The Spring Break season is extremely busy at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and we strongly encourage those traveling – especially if you haven’t flown recently – to review TSA’s website,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks. “Our TSA staff does a wonderful job, but the more prepared you are, the less distractions they will have in screening.”
Passengers traveling through GFIA on select Spring Break travel dates will be treated to the annual Passenger Appreciation Days, compliments of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board. This bon-voyage celebration will take place from Thursday, April 3 through Saturday, April 5 from 6am-6pm each day in the Airport’s Grand Hall. The Passenger Appreciation Days events include free refreshments, food, giveaways, prize drawings, contests and more!
“We are excited to welcome back the Passenger Appreciation Days,” said Ryks. “This is one more way we are thanking our community as we celebrate our Airport’s 50th Anniversary throughout the year.”
For passengers wanting to partake in the Passenger Appreciation Days festivities, the Airport encourages them to allow even more travel time.
The TSA also encourages passengers to utilize the 3-1-1 rule with liquids, gels and aerosols. Put all liquids in 3.4 ounce containers and place them in a clear, plastic one-quart zip-top bag.
Additional 3-1-1 Information:
- Deodorant: Stick deodorant is not limited to 3.4 oz. or less, but gel or spray deodorant is.
- Suntan & Sun Block Lotion: Lotions fall under the 3-1-1 procedures mentioned above. As well as the aerosol spray lotions. Sunblock sticks do not fall under this rule.
- Makeup: Any liquid makeup cosmetics such as eyeliner, nail polish, liquid foundation, etc. should be placed in the baggie. That goes for perfume as well. Powder makeup is fine.
- Beverages: Wine, liquor, beer, and all of your other favorite beverages are permitted in your checked baggage. You can also bring beverages packaged in 3.4 oz. or less bottles in your carry-on bags in the 3-1-1 baggie.
- Sporting Goods: Golf clubs, tennis rackets, baseball bats (including the mini slugger bats), cricket bats, bows and arrows, hockey sticks, scuba knives, spear guns, etc. are all prohibited from being carried onto the plane. However, you can have them checked as luggage.
An additional TSA travel check-list is attached for further information.
Live remotes can be scheduled prior to and during Passenger Appreciation Days at the Airport.
