GFIA Spring Break Passenger Appreciation Days Return; TSA Offers Advice for Faster Screening

Grand Rapids, MI – 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 weekend and continuing through April, parking lot demands will be greater, and airport facilities are expected to be busy. 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 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, April 2 through Saturday, April 4 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 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, 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.

Click here for an additional TSA travel check-list for further information.

Live shots are welcome and encouraged and can be scheduled prior to and during Passenger Appreciation Days at the Airport.