BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
The Boise Airport has been frequently traveled this summer.
According to a news release from the Transportation Security Administration, the airport screened a record 9,503 people through its security checkpoint on Sunday, a new BOI record.
The previous record was set just a week earlier, when 9,467 people were screened on Sunday, July 7.
Security checkpoints have been busy this summer nationwide. July 7 was a record day nationally with over 3 million people screened, according to TSA stats.
Because of the high volume, TSA continues to advise air travelers to arrive at the airport early and be prepared for every step of the travel process.
The first six months of 2024, TSA screened nearly 1.3 million departing travelers at Boise Airport, the news release stated. That marks a 6.1% increase compared to last year at this time, TSA said. For all of 2023, TSA screened just over 2.6 million people at BOI.
“The growth at BOI in recent months has been exceptional. In close partnership with the airport and airlines, we have been able to maintain the efficiency of our security operations despite the highest passenger volumes ever at BOI,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho Andy Coose.
TSA reminds travelers to avoid bringing items in carry-on and checked luggage that are not allowed on a commercial aircraft. In recent days, TSA officers at BOI have discovered multiple prohibited items, many of which are used for camping and other outdoor activities.
Those include:
- Canister of propane camping fuel (8 ounces) discovered at 4:40 a.m. on Monday.
- Three axes discovered at 5:43 a.m. on Monday.
- Canister of propane camping fuel (3.5 ounces) discovered at 4:36 a.m. on Sunday.
- Canister of propane camping fuel (3.5 ounces) discovered at 4:40 a.m. on Sunday.
- Can of butane (14.5 ounces) discovered at 6:05 a.m. on Sunday.
- Canister of propane camping fuel (13.1 ounces) discovered at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday.
- Canister of propane camping fuel (7.75 ounces) discovered at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
All of these items were discovered in checked baggage with the exception of the three axes. Those were discovered in a carry-on bag during routine X-ray screening at the security checkpoint, TSA said.
TSA officers also discovered a stun gun in a traveler’s carry-on luggage on Sunday around 5:20 a.m. Stun guns can be transported on an aircraft in checked luggage and must be packed in a manner that renders the device inoperable from accidental discharge, TSA said. Note that many of these devices are manufactured with lithium batteries.
TSA said all the travelers voluntarily abandoned the items to TSA and were allowed to continue with their travels.
“We have said it before and we will say it again. TSA is asking all travelers to know what is in your checked and carry-on luggage to ensure that you are not bringing prohibited items to the airport,” Coose said. “With a record number of people traveling, we all need to do our part and share in the responsibility to keep security operations running smoothly and efficiently.”
Additionally, TSA shared some tips to help all travelers through security at any airport:
- Arrive at the airport early and prepared. Allow ample time to park, navigate to the terminal, check luggage and proceed through the TSA security screening checkpoint. Keep in mind that most flights board 30 to 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
- Be prepared for any scenario. In the security checkpoint, have your photo identification and boarding pass ready. This will keep you from slowing down the screening process for you and everyone behind you.
- Listen to directions provided by TSA officers. The advisements are specific to the type of screening you will experience. The information given will make your screening experience quicker and smoother.
- Pack smart. Always start with an empty bag to ensure you don’t inadvertently bring prohibited items to the security checkpoint. Place electronics larger than a cellphone and travel-size liquids at the top of your carry-on so they can be easily accessed if you are required to remove them. Also, be sure that all liquids are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less if transporting them through the security checkpoint.
- Get assistance prior to traveling. Ensure that carry-ons do not contain prohibited items since they slow down the security screening process. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “What Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to snap a picture of an item and send it to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Travelers can also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872)
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.