Screening volumes at Colorado Springs Airport up 125% in comparison to 2019
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)- The Transportation Security Administration is asking travelers to arrive at the airport early and prepared to get through security efficiently. Passenger screening volumes at Colorado Springs Airport are currently more than 125% of 2019 volumes and are expected to increase through the remainder of summer.
According to officials with the TSA, projections for the remainder of the summer suggest the number of travelers departing from the Colorado Springs Airport will likely exceed volumes seen in 2019, which was a record-breaking year for TSA Operations. Just last week, TSA screened more than 26,700 travelers during a seven-day period. In 2019 during the same week, TSA screened about 21,300 travelers. Nationwide, Colorado Springs air travel recovery rate ranks 12th.
According to TSA, the peaks at Colorado Springs Airport are driven by the flight departure schedules determined by the airlines, the addition of new airlines, and larger aircraft.
In an effort to get travelers through TSA efficiently and quickly, Colorado Springs Airport has installed new technology at checkpoints. The computed tomography scanner screens travelers' carry-on luggage at check-point without them having to take anything out of their bag, such as electronics or food. The CT unit applies an algorithm and shows a 3-D image of the contents in the bag to the TSA officer. The TSA officer can then manipulate the 3-D X-ray image on their screen to view everything in the bag. This reduces the amount of bags checked. Though it is a little more time-consuming, TSA believes this method is worth it and effective.
TSA Colorado Springs wants to remind those traveling to pack smart and be aware of the items in carry-on bags. Secure important items such as phones, keys or wallets inside carry-on bags. Travel with hand sanitizer, TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces per passenger. Don't bring items such as bear spray or camping fuel. To make travel more efficient airport officials are encouraging travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck. Those who enroll will not have to remove shoes, belts, laptops, electronics larger than a cell phone or travel-size liquids from a carry-on luggage.
TSA PreCheck enrollment center is located at 5051 N. Academy Blvd, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The busiest times at the TSA security checkpoint at Colorado Springs Airport are currently 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The busiest days to catch a plane are currently Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Due to a high volume of travel, TSA in COS is also hiring security screening officers to ensure checkpoint lanes are fully staff. You can find more information on the website.
