Memorial Day weekend traffic rush hits Pittsburgh International Airport, PA Turnpike

Travelers stood in long lines at Pittsburgh International Airport on the busiest travel day of the Memorial Holiday weekend.

If you’re catching a flight or hopping in your car to reach your destination, count yourself among an expected 18 million people going out of town this holiday weekend. That’s a 6% increase compared to this time last year.

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“San Francisco first and then we fly to Honolulu afterwards,” said Mike Hake.

Hake and his wife waited in long lines through TSA checkpoints. The line stretched to the parking lot doors, but they showed up early and came prepared.

The Transportation Security Administration says to have your ID ready. But also be prepared to allow TSA agents to take a real-time photo of you to verify your identity.

Prepare, pack and declare unloaded firearms, which are only allowed in checked luggage, at the ticket counter.

You can check TSA’s “What can I bring?” tool.

Liquids over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag.

Give yourself time and remember to remove items from your pockets.

“I get a travel size of everything and then if you are staying in the U.S. typically everything is around, so you can get everything,” said Maddie Antill.

“We order from Walmart to be delivered to the door when we get there,” said Gabbi Lindberg. Both are headed to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the weekend.

Some travelers showed up early but decided to use the alternate checkpoint.

TSA encourages passengers to enroll in TSA pre-check to experience faster checkpoint screenings.

Contact TSA by sending a text directly to 275-872 (AskTSA) on any mobile device by sending a message. Travelers can also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.

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