Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is preparing for its busiest time of year with helpful travel reminders, and a bit of fun mixed in.
Due to additional passenger volume beginning this month and continuing through April, parking lot demands will be greater, and airport facilities are expected to be busy. GFIA is also under construction for the Gateway Transformation Project, which affects areas of passenger the terminal Grand Hall. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects longer security lines and urges passengers 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 identification 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, and the more prepared travelers are, the smoother the screening experience will be for everyone.”
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, March 31st through Saturday, April 2nd each day from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Due to construction in the Airport’s Grand Hall, the event will be post-security on each concourse. 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 of the ways we are thanking our community for supporting our airport, and our passengers will have some fun before venturing out of West Michigan.”
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 carryon bags in the 3-1-1 baggie.
- Sporting Goods: Golf clubs, tennis rackets, baseball bats (including the mini slugger bats), cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, 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.
Questions about TSA procedures and upcoming travel can be addressed to the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or @AskTSA on Twitter.
Live broadcasts are welcome and encouraged and can be scheduled prior to and during Passenger Appreciation Days at the Airport.
