[Photo]As we take to the skies to visit friends and loved ones this holiday season, I’d like to share a few thoughts with you.

First, I want to point out the “non-news” story that failed to generate many headlines last month: the fact that most air travelers had an efficient, hassle-free experience during the week of Thanksgiving. Instead of long lines at security checkpoints and frustrated passengers, most will agree that air travel during Thanksgiving was relatively painless.

In fact, despite a record number of air travelers, (some 17 million) peak wait times at the busiest airports rarely exceeded 13 minutes, and in most places were substantially lower.

This was due in no small part to the thousands of TSA security officers who volunteered for extra shifts to ensure checkpoints were at full capacity during peak travel times (30,000 Transportation Security Officers worked on Thanksgiving Day). And it represents close cooperation by the traveling public and our partners at the airports and airlines.

To extend this safety and efficiency beyond Thanksgiving, we’ll again need your help. Please remember the liquid and gel ban for carry-on luggage. The formula is simple
3-1-1: three ounce containers or smaller in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag, with a limit of one bag per passenger. And of course, you can always place larger quantities in your checked luggage.

At Thanksgiving we launched a public awareness effort called SimpliFLY, which provides tips on packing smarter to get through security checkpoints faster. Keep your carry-on luggage organized by layering items. Be prepared by having your boarding pass and ID ready. Remember to wear easily removable shoes and outer garments. And please do not wrap gifts in carry on luggage, as we may need to inspect packages.

For more information on these programs and other travel tips, visit our website.

TSA’s highly trained security officers are there to help you reach your destination safely. By coming prepared to the checkpoint, travelers can improve their own experience and get through the screening process securely and efficiently.

On behalf of everyone at TSA, we wish you safe travels and happy holidays.

Kip Hawley
TSA Administrator