Airports across the nation are feeling the impact of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) staffing and budget cuts, including Will Rogers World Airport. Passengers flying out of WRWA this summer season should anticipate the possibility of longer lines at the TSA security checkpoint.
“We know that TSA will make every effort in Oklahoma City to screen passengers as quickly and safely as possible,” says Karen Carney, Public Information and Marketing Manager. “However, with the increased volume of travelers during the summer months, combined with TSA’s reduced staffing, we know there will be times that the checkpoints will have very long lines.”
Arrive Early
The airport emphatically reminds travelers to arrive at the airport a minimum of one-and-a-half hours prior to departure, two hours if flying internationally. Travelers also need to remember that security screening is only one portion of the departure process.
“Too many times travelers focus solely on the screening time,” says Carney. “They forget to factor in the time it takes to park the car, to get their boarding pass or check bags at the airline ticket counter, time to say goodbye to friends and families. If any of these things take even five extra minutes, you risk missing your flight.”
Travelers also need to keep in mind that many airlines close the check-in process 30 to 40 minutes prior to departure. If not checked-in early enough, you may miss the flight.
Travel Smart
There are many things that travelers can do that will help them get to the gate quicker.
- Before leaving the house, make sure you have your identification (driver’s license or passport) and make sure it is not expired.
- Search carry-on and checked bags for any prohibited items.
- Make sure that all liquids and gels are 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one, quart-sized sealable bag.
- Do not over-pack. Over-packing makes a carry-on more difficult to screen, increasing the possibility of a hand-check and delaying the process.
- Dress for travel. Avoid clothing with studs or other “bling” that can cause the screening machines to alarm. Wear shoes that are easily removed.
- At the checkpoint, remove shoes, belts, jackets, hoodies and scarves before being asked.
- Place jewelry, cell phones, wallets and other valuables inside your carry-on bag.
- Take the plastic bag with liquids and gels out of your carry-on and place in a bin.
- Remove your laptop and other large electronics and place in a bin.
Check It Out
Predicting exactly when the lines will be long is challenging. There are definitely known peak times, such as early morning, mid-morning and late afternoon. But, during the summer, it is not uncommon for lines to unexpectedly swell at any time of day. Even so, there will be times when passengers arrive early and get through quickly. So what can travelers do with the extra time? Here are a few suggestions.
- Jet Sets: WRWA and Delaware North, the airport’s food concessionaire, sponsor live music in the terminal every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Find out who’s playing at flyokc.com/jetsets.
- Public Art: The sculpture “Prayer” by world-renowned Oklahoma artist Allan Houser is one of several works of art travelers can enjoy. Other works by Dale Chihuly, Tomoaki Orikasa, and Jo Davidson are also on display. More info is at flyokc.com/gallery.
- Grab: Don’t want to stand in more lines? Mobile food ordering is now available at WRWA. The Grab Mobile App lets you pre-order your food wherever you are and receive a text when it is ready for pickup.
- H.A.L.O. Therapy Dogs: 12 volunteer dog teams roam the airport throughout the month providing comfort and stress relief to travelers and visitors.
- Get Your Steps: The WRWA concourse is nearly ¼ mile from end to end. Just two times down and back and you’ve got a mile in for the day.
- Shop: Pick up new Thunder gear at EA Sports, the newest Brighton necklace at Brighton Collectibles or the latest digital entertainment and technology at InMotion.
- Free WiFi: Just relax and check-in on things. WiFi is free.
For more travel tips, ticket counter hours and flight information, go to flyokc.com.