The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) anticipates an increase in passengers traveling in and out of T.F. Green Airport and the InterLink for the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday. Air carriers report busier than usual passenger levels starting Tuesday, November 26th and continuing through Monday, December 2nd.
Travelers should allow extra time to navigate from the parking areas to ticketing through the security checkpoint. Park on-airport and receive low rates from $10 per day to $50 per week. For information and discount coupons, visit www.parkpvdairport.com.
The InterLink with its 20 daily (weekday) commuter trains between southern Rhode Island, the airport, Providence, Boston and points in between is also a convenient travel option for the holidays. Visit www.mbta.com for a complete service schedule.
Travelers will be treated to an early morning concert with musician and songwriter Lois Vaughan performing original piano music from 4:30am to 7:00am at the departures level on Wednesday the 27th.
As travelers fly out of Green, the most noticeable difference this year will be TSA PreCheck. This allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs who are flying on participating airlines, to receive expedited screening benefits. Eligible participants use dedicated screening lanes for screening benefits which include leaving on shoes, light outerwear and belts, as well as leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags. Please visit tsa.gov/tsa-precheck to learn more.
RIAC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airline tenants would like to reiterate the following travel tips to minimize wait time at the checkpoints:
- Arrive Early: Travelers should note that lines may be longer at ticketing and the security checkpoint during peak times between 5:00am and 7:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Customers are advised to check with their carrier for any weather related delays or cancellations.
- Required Documentation: Government issued photo IDs must be presented with tickets or itinerary if checking in at the ticket counter. Passengers are required to present a Photo ID and boarding pass with the date of departure and the passenger’s name at the security checkpoint.
- The TSA 3-1-1 Rule: Any liquids, gels and aerosols carried on a plane must be in 3oz. containers and enclosed in a one-quart, clear zip top bag, one bag per passenger.
- Pack Smart: Travelers should pack appropriately and be aware of what can and cannot be placed in carry-on luggage. Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted but may require further inspection. Other food items such as wine and cranberry sauce are not permitted though the security checkpoint. These items should be packed in checked luggage or purchased post security, in one of the airport gift shops.
- Screening Procedures for Passengers 12 and Under: Passengers 12 and under are now able to leave their shoes on when going through security checkpoints. TSA has also implemented new procedures that reduce, though not eliminate, pat-downs of passengers 12 and under.
- To help minimize waiting time, please remove all outer clothing, shoes and place metal objects in the bin or carry-on prior to reaching the checkpoint.
Visit the TSA Web site at www.tsa.gov or call the TSA Cares Helpline at 1-855-787-2227 for a complete list of restricted items and more tips for travel.
For added convenience, the airport has a business travel / frequent travel lane at the entrance of the security screening checkpoint. This lane is available for use by eligible passengers between 4:30am and 8:30am and 1:30pm to 5:30pm daily. All passengers will be screened by TSA at this point.
Meeters and greeters are reminded to connect with their party in the lower level baggage claim area. For updated flight information visit www.pvdairport.com.
TF Green Airport was named one of America’s Best Airport’s by Travel + Leisure readers, ranking 1st for its accessible location and 2nd for its smooth check-in process.
