The Transportation Security Administration is preparing security checkpoints for the busy spring break travel season. Globe Aware volunteers can speed up screening by avoiding these prohibited items.

TSA offers travel tips ahead of busy spring break season

By Jackie LiBrizzi
Feb 26, 2025
WBTW

The Transportation Security Administration is preparing security checkpoints and travelers for the upcoming spring break travel period at Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Typical travel for spring break begins near the beginning of March and continues through April 21. The airport is expecting passenger volume to surpass last year’s record-breaking numbers by 10%.

Things like oversized liquids, self-defense items, and tools are all items prohibited at MYR and can really slow down you down at the checkpoint.

Mark Howell, a TSA spokesman, told News13 that “Certain items could pose a threat on board an aircraft. So, a lot of times they’ll be fine in your checked luggage, but for obviously reasons, don’t want them to be in the cabin.”

Howell said there’s a difference between prohibited items and surrendered items.

“We give everyone the opportunity to get rid of it before they come through the checkpoint,” he explained.

Howell said travelers who get stopped have the chance to put it in a car or hand it off to someone who brought you. He adds TSA doesn’t keep these items unless they’re illegal to possess.

“We have a no-cost contract with the state surplus of Alabama. They pick up for a lot of the airports in the Southeast and they will collect up those knives and tools and things and they’ll sell it at an auction,” Howell said. “The funds usually go to that state agency.”

He explained how important it is that passengers pay attention to what they’re bringing in order to do their part keeping wait times low.

Howell adds that live firearms have been a constant issue at security check points. MYR found 13 active firearms last year and one so far in 2025.

“Do not bring it to the security checkpoint because we’re going to get law enforcement involved,” Howell said. “You can also get a civil penalty of up to $15,000 and potentially miss your flight.”

He added that pre-check passengers would also lose their status for a 5-year period if found with a live firearm.

“We don’t want to infringe on anybody’s right to take a gun with them to travel, we just for obvious reasons and don’t want them in your carry-on bag,” Howell explained. “So, if you want to take your firearm, you can bring it if it’s packaged the right way, and if it’s checked with your airline and declared.”

Howell said they’re anticipating officers will screen a steadily increasing number of passengers at airport checkpoints throughout the next month.

“Right now, we’re seeing about 2,500 passengers coming through security here in Myrtle Beach,” he said. “You’ll see that number ramp up to about 4,000 a day by the end of March and as we get into the summer months, June and July, well upwards of 12,000 passengers.”

He said it’s a constant planning process between TSA and the airlines.

“Two months from now, we’re going to come up to the deadline for real ID. You need to make sure you have a real ID compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID, if you’re planning to travel after May 7.”

Howell said a good way for you to check if your ID is compliant, is to look for a gold star on the front.