Tag Archives: TSA

Gerald R. Ford International Airport ready for Thanksgiving with ‘Operation Handshake’

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,

By Tara Herendez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport

A patriotic welcome home for West Michigan troops and other festivities are on tap for the Thanksgiving holiday – one of the busiest times of the year at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, airport volunteers including therapy dog teams, and the Patriot Guard Riders and Blue Star Mothers will participate in “Operation Handshake,” an event to welcome home returning military members and veterans, and to thank them for their service. Volunteers will staff both airport concourse exits from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

“We know that not every military member can make it home during the holidays because they are making other sacrifices for our nation. For those returning to West Michigan we want to make it extra special and let them know we are thankful for their service,” said GFIA President & CEO Tory Richardson. “The Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan and the Blue Star Mothers do a tremendous job taking time out of their holiday week to welcome home our military, and we appreciate their loyalty to our community through events like Operation Handshake.”

The event is free and open to the public. Family members should notify the Patriot Guard Riders of returning military members’ arrival times and flight information. Information can be sent to Tony VanGessel at 616-862-1984 or tvange58@yahoo.com.

“This is what Thanksgiving is really all about,” said VanGessel, Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders of West Michigan. “What we see each year is an inspiration. We get a thank you from the military members, but it’s also heartwarming for the general traveling public around us to see what happens with just a simple salute, handshake, or a thank you.”

The Airport is currently under construction on Phase II of its Gateway Transformation Project, and along with the busy holiday traffic, lines could be longer than normal. The Airport encourages passengers to arrive at least two hours before their flight.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting a record-breaking number of flyers this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period with more than 26.8 million passengers traveling through security screening checkpoints around the U.S. from November 22 through December 2nd – an increase of four-percent from 2018.

Additionally, Ford Airport passenger numbers are up as October 2019 was the busiest October in GFIA history, and the airport has already served more than three million passengers this year. GFIA has seen passenger traffic increase for 25 consecutive months.

TSA also encourages passengers to stay up-to-date on the latest travel notices and information about what you can or cannot bring on your flight by visiting: www.tsa.gov. Additionally, travelers should keep these top three tips in mind:

Pack smart. Prepare for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in baggage. As always, passengers can bring pies, cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints; however, liquids such as eggnog and maple syrup, and gels such as preserves and jellies, should go into checked bags. Liquids in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Download the MyTSA app or use the “What can I bring?” tool on tsa.gov. This allows you to type in an item to find out if you can bring it in you carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither.

Renew your TSA PreCheck membership. Individuals who obtained TSA PreCheck five years ago are now able to renew their TSA PreCheck membership online. Individuals who do not have TSA PreCheck should enroll now to get TSA PreCheck benefits, available at more than 200 U.S. airports, in time for their holiday travel. Travelers enrolled in a trusted traveler program, like TSA PreCheck, do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. To find the trusted traveler program that best suits your travel needs, use the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool.

Ask for passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint.

For more information on the Patriot Guard Riders, visit http://www.patriotguardmi.org.

Ford Airport records 20th straight month of growth

3-bottom, , ,

By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport


May passenger numbers topped 13.4-percent and the month goes down as the busiest May in history at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).

Through May 2019, 1,460,611 passengers have traveled through the airport, and overall passenger traffic is up 11.5-percent from 2018 – the busiest year in GFIA history.

May 2019 saw 296,202 passengers compared to 261,281 in 2018. May 2019 also beats out May 2018 as the busiest May in airport history.

The Ford Airport has seen passenger increases in 70 of the last 77 months and 20 straight.

“The community continues to grow, and we’re a reflection of that growth,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “We see new developments everywhere, new businesses, and tremendous investments in our community. People should be proud to know West Michigan is a hidden gem among the aviation industry and the more we grow, the more airlines will be investing new routes and more frequencies here.”

The growth is expected to continue in 2019 as airline partner Allegiant started new nonstop service to Nashville (BNA), and Savannah-Hilton Head (SAV) last week. Additionally, Allegiant started nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) in April.

With the growth, GFIA has invested in its facilities and is currently underway in Phase Two of its Gateway Transformation Project which includes updates to the baggage claim area, airline ticket counters, flooring and lighting; along with new restrooms and concessions. Updates on construction at the airport can be found here: https://www.grr.org/construction.php

As passenger numbers continue to grow at GFIA, those traveling are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight. Updated security screening information, tips on what to pack/not pack, and more information to make security screening smoother are available at www.tsa.gov.

GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available on our website http://www.flyford.org/history.php.

TSA offers a list of dos and don’ts when packing a carry-on

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


School is out. Summer travel is in.

That means a lot of people will be heading off to visit family and friends as well as checking out destination points such as the Bahamas; Virginia Beach, or Miami. With that in mind, the Transportation Security Administration or TSA recently hosted an informational event to remind travelers what they can and can not take on the airplane.

During June and July 2018, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport had about 550,000 passengers move through the airport. Those numbers are expected to increase this year as the Ford Airport was recently named the second fastest-growing airport by Airline Weekly. 

TSA worker Russ Faase talks about some of the items that TSA has seen come through the security check point at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (WKTV)

Needless to say, TSA officials and employees have seen a lot of interesting items that people have tried to bring on to the plane in their carry-on bags. Items have ranged from an electric hotplate to a dead squirrel.

“By far the most common thing we see by far is your oversized liquids, your 3.4 or greater size liquids, gels and aerosols,” said Mark Howell, regional spokesperson for TSA. “Those are OK in your check bag but if you want to take those on a aircraft, they need to be limited to 3.4 ounces or less in one quart size bag and each passenger is allowed one of those.”

Other items not allowed are kubaton pens, a self-defense keychain weapon, according to Ross Faase, a TSA worker at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Another item not allowed are replica weapons.

Replica weapons such as this toy grenade are not allowed on an airplane. (WKTV)

“This would be a great item to leave at home,” Fasse said. “Bringing a replica grenade like this through the check point could cause delays for you, your fellow travelers, and it could shutdown the check point until we are able to get the item resolved.”

Knives of any size need to be in checked luggage, Faase said. Scissors are allowed if the scissors are four inches or less from the pivot. 

“As we get more into the summer, we are going to see a lot more bike tools,” Faase said. “Bike tools need to be seven inches or less. Any tools greater than seven inches must be packed in checked bags.”

With summer, there are a number of passengers who do not travel that often and therefore do not know what is allowed and not allowed, Howell said. 

“People try to avoid the check bag fees by just taking a carry-on bag with them, but when you do that you have to know the difference of what’s allowed in a carry-on bag versus what’s allowed in a checked bag,” he said. 

Howell said TSA does not confiscate items but will give passengers the option to get rid of things when they come to the check point. 

“Unfortunately people wait until the last minute to come to the security check point and don’t want to go through security again, so they end up surrendering the item at the security check point,” he said.

TSA does have a no cost contract with the Michigan state surplus office which will either dispose of the item or resell it. All monies raised from the resell goes to that agency, Howell said.

So if you are planning a trip that involves heading to the airport, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through the TSA check point. The recommended time is about 2 hours from departure. For more information about items that are allowed in carry-on bags and on the plane, visit the TSA website, tsa.gov.

Tips from GFIA on how to make your holiday travel easier

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , ,

Alicia Roberts
Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority


The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is preparing for a busy holiday travel season and is offering these helpful travel reminders.

Due to increased passenger traffic, parking lot demands will be greater, and airport facilities are expected to be busy. Also, due to current airport construction, along with the busy holiday traffic, lines could be longer than normal. GFIA encourages passengers to arrive at least 90-120 minutes before their flight and check flight information at www.flyford.com.

In order to expedite the security screening process, passengers should carefully consider the contents of their checked luggage and carry-on bags. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends wearing shoes that are easy to remove, having identification and boarding passes ready to present at security checkpoints, removing all items from pockets, avoiding bedazzled and jeweled clothing, limiting heavy jewelry, and ending all cell phone conversations prior to screening. In addition, remove any personal electronics larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bags. 

If passengers are traveling with gifts, do not wrap them with wrapping paper or tape. TSA recommends putting gifts in gift bags or gift boxes instead. Snow globes can be a popular gift during the holidays but they must contain 3.4 liquid ounces or less to comply with the 3-1-1 liquids bag rule. Larger snow globes should be packed in checked baggage or shipped to your destination.

Traveling with food items is okay during the holidays. Removing heavy food items such as cheese and fudge, along with granular and powdered items like sugar, from your carry-on bag, will also greatly speed up security screening. If the food item is a solid (i.e.: ham, turkey, cake, cookies), then it can be packed in a carry-on bag. If the food item is spreadable or pourable, then it must be 3.4 liquid ounces or less to comply with the 3-1-1 liquids bag rule to travel in a carry-on bag. If it is more than 3.4 liquid ounces, it must be packed in a checked bag.

“We are looking forward to another holiday season, which is a busy time of the year. Because of that, it is important for those traveling – especially if you haven’t flown recently – to review TSA’s website,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “Our TSA staff does a wonderful job, and the more prepared travelers are, the smoother the screening experience will be for everyone.”

The TSA encourages passengers to utilize the 3-1-1 rule with liquids, gels and aerosols. Put all liquids in containers with a 3.4 ounce maximum capacity, and place them in a clear, plastic one-quart zip-top bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-sized bag.

Additional 3-1-1 Information:

  • Deodorant:Stick deodorant is not limited to 3.4 ounces or less, but gel or spray deodorant is.
  • Suntan & Sun Block Lotion:Lotions fall under the 3-1-1procedures mentioned above. As well as the aerosol spray lotions. Sunblock sticks do not fall under this rule.
  • Makeup:Any liquid makeup cosmetics such as eyeliner, nail polish, liquid foundation, etc. should be placed in the baggie. That goes for perfume as well. Powder makeup is fine.
  • Beverages:Wine, liquor, beer, and all of your other favorite beverages are permitted in your checked baggage. You can also bring beverages packaged in 3.4 ounces or less bottles in your carry-on bags in the 3-1-1 baggie.
  • Sporting Goods: Golf clubs, tennis rackets, baseball bats (including the mini slugger bats), cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, bows and arrows, hockey sticks, scuba knives, spear guns, etc. are all prohibited from being carried onto the plane. However, you can have them checked as luggage.

Questions about TSA procedures and upcoming travel can be addressed to the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or @AskTSA on Twitter.

GFIA Spring break passenger appreciation days return, TSA offers advice for faster screening

3-bottom, , ,

By Tara M. Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is preparing for its busiest time of year with helpful travel reminders, and a bit of fun mixed in.

 

Due to additional passenger volume beginning this month and continuing through April, parking lot demands will be greater, and airport facilities are expected to be busy. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects longer security lines and urges passengers to arrive at the Airport at least two hours prior to departure time.

 

In order to expedite the security screening process, passengers should carefully consider the contents of their checked luggage and carry-on bags. The TSA recommends wearing shoes that are easy to remove, having identification and boarding passes ready to present at security checkpoints, removing all items from pockets, avoiding bedazzled and jeweled clothing, limiting heavy jewelry, and ending all cell phone conversations prior to screening. In addition, removing heavy food items such as cheese and fudge, along with granular and powdered items like sugar, from your carry-on bag, will also greatly speed up security screening.

 

“We are looking forward to another Spring Break season, which is our busiest time of the year. Because of that, it is important for those traveling – especially if you haven’t flown recently – to review TSA’s website,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “Our TSA staff does a wonderful job, and the more prepared travelers are, the smoother the screening experience will be for everyone.”

 

Passengers traveling through GFIA on select Spring Break travel dates will be treated to the annual Passenger Appreciation Days, compliments of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board. This bon-voyage celebration will take place from Thursday, March 29th through Saturday, March 31st each day from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the Airport’s Grand Hall Meet & Greet area. Passenger Appreciation Days events include free refreshments, food, giveaways, prize drawings, contests, and more!

 

“Our Spring Break travelers who return year after year know how much fun you can have prior to your vacation with our Passenger Appreciation Days,” said Gill. “This is one of the ways we are thanking our community for supporting our airport, and our passengers will have some fun before heading out on their trips.”

 

For passengers wanting to partake in the Passenger Appreciation Days festivities, the Airport encourages them to allow even more travel time. GFIA is coming off a 2017 year which saw a record 2.8 million passengers, and high volumes continue into 2018.

 

The TSA also encourages passengers to utilize the 3-1-1 rule with liquids, gels and aerosols. Put all liquids in containers with a 3.4 ounce maximum capacity, and place them in a clear, plastic one- quart zip-top bag.

 

Additional 3-1-1 Information:

 

• Deodorant: Stick deodorant is not limited to 3.4 ounces or less, but gel or spray deodorant is.

 

• Suntan & Sun Block Lotion: Lotions fall under the 3-1-1 procedures mentioned above. As well as the aerosol spray lotions. Sunblock sticks do not fall under this rule.

 

• Makeup: Any liquid makeup cosmetics such as eyeliner, nail polish, liquid foundation, etc. should be placed in the baggie. That goes for perfume as well. Powder makeup is fine.

 

• Beverages: Wine, liquor, beer, and all of your other favorite beverages are permitted in your checked baggage. You can also bring beverages packaged in 3.4 ounces or less bottles in yourcarry-on bags in the 3-1-1 baggie.

 

• Sporting Goods: Golf clubs, tennis rackets, baseball bats (including the mini slugger bats), cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, bows and arrows, hockey sticks, scuba knives, spear guns, etc. are all prohibited from being carried onto the plane. However, you can have them checked as luggage.

 

Questions about TSA procedures and upcoming travel can be addressed to the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or @AskTSA on Twitter.

 

Gerald R. Ford International Airport hosts TSA Pre-check Enrollment Event

Citizen Journalism, ,

By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is inviting passengers to enroll in the TSA Pre✓® expedited screening program March 19-23 on airport grounds.

 

TSA Pre✓® is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and more efficient screening experience. For TSA Pre✓® travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. Today, TSA Pre✓® has more than 450 lanes at 200+ U.S. airports, including GFIA.

 

“We are excited to bring this enrollment event back to our airport,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “Our last enrollment event was so popular that we’ve been getting requests to hold another one. The TSA Pre✓® Program is a beneficial program for frequent travelers, and we are encouraging those interested to sign up and reserve their spot.”

 

 

The airport is hosting the event in its Michigan Room on the second floor of the terminal building from 8 a.m. – Noon, and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Walk-in appointments are available, but priority is given to those with reservations, so pre-applying is encouraged.

 

Applying for TSA Pre✓® through this local enrollment event is easy. First, applicants can Pre- Enroll ahead of time by simply clicking here, choose “Pre-Enroll” then “Apply Now” and fill out steps 1 through 4. Once you arrive at step 4 of 4, type in your location “Grand Rapids, MI” and be sure to choose “Pop up: Gerald R. Ford International Airport”. Select “Next” at the bottom of the screen and select an appointment time (the first available shows, but you can use the drop down to choose a different date and/or time).

 

IMPORTANT! To complete the application process, you will need to bring proof of identity and U.S. citizen documentation (such as a U.S. Passport or a birth certificate and a driver license). If you have a valid U.S. passport, that is all you need for ID!

 

The application process is completed on site where staff will capture fingerprints for a background check and collect the $85 application for five years of service. The fee can be paid by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

 

Enroll in TSA Pre✔® today and begin to enjoy the expedited security screening program that helps take the stress out of travel.

Ford Airport hosts spring break passenger appreciation days; TSA offers advice for faster screening

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , ,

By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is preparing for its busiest time of year with helpful travel reminders, and a bit of fun mixed in.

 

Due to additional passenger volume beginning this month and continuing through April, parking lot demands will be greater, and airport facilities are expected to be busy.  GFIA is also under construction for the Gateway Transformation Project, which affects areas of passenger screening and the terminal Grand Hall. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects longer security lines.

 

In order to expedite the security screening process, passengers should carefully consider the contents of their checked luggage and carry-on bags.  The TSA recommends wearing shoes that are easy to remove, having identification and boarding passes ready to present at security checkpoints, removing all items from pockets, avoiding bedazzled and jeweled clothing, limiting heavy jewelry, and ending all cell phone conversations prior to screening. In addition, removing heavy food items such as cheese and fudge, along with granular and powdered items like sugar, from your carry-on bag, will also greatly speed up security screening.

 

“We are looking forward to another Spring Break season, which is our busiest time of the year. Because of that, it is important for those traveling – especially if you haven’t flown recently – to review TSA’s website,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “Our TSA staff does a wonderful job, and the more prepared travelers are, the smoother the screening experience will be for everyone.”

 

Passengers traveling through GFIA on select Spring Break travel dates will be treated to the annual Passenger Appreciation Days, compliments of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board.  This bon-voyage celebration will take place from Thursday, Macy 30 – April 1 from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. in the Airport’s Grand Hall Meet & Greet area. Passenger Appreciation Days events include free refreshments, food, giveaways, prize drawings, contests, and more.

 

“Our Spring Break travelers who return year after year know how much fun you can have prior to your vacation with our Passenger Appreciation Days,” said Gill. “This is one of the ways we are thanking our community for supporting our airport, and our passengers will have some fun before heading out on their trips.”

 

For passengers wanting to partake in the Passenger Appreciation Days festivities, the Airport encourages them to allow even more travel time.

 

The TSA also encourages passengers to utilize the 3-1-1 rule with liquids, gels and aerosols. Put all liquids in 3.4 ounce containers and place them in a clear, plastic one-quart zip-top bag.

 

Additional 3-1-1 Information:

  • Deodorant: Stick deodorant is not limited to 3.4 oz. or less, but gel or spray deodorant is.
  • Suntan & Sun Block Lotion: Lotions fall under the 3-1-1 procedures mentioned above. As well as the aerosol spray lotions. Sunblock sticks do not fall under this rule.
  • Makeup: Any liquid makeup cosmetics such as eyeliner, nail polish, liquid foundation, etc. should be placed in the baggie. That goes for perfume as well. Powder makeup is fine.
  • Beverages: Wine, liquor, beer, and all of your other favorite beverages are permitted in your checked baggage. You can also bring beverages packaged in 3.4 oz. or less bottles in your carry-on bags in the 3-1-1 baggie.
  • Sporting Goods: Golf clubs, tennis rackets, baseball bats (including the mini slugger bats), cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, bows and arrows, hockey sticks, scuba knives, spear guns, etc. are all prohibited from being carried onto the plane. However, you can have them checked as luggage.

 

Questions about TSA procedures and upcoming travel can be addressed to the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or @AskTSA on Twitter.