TSA/Virginia DMV News Release

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The number of passengers expected to fly this summer out of Charlottesville and airports across the nation is expected to be the highest in years with 263 million passengers and crew projected to pass through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints nationwide between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.

Travelers flying from Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport need to be well prepared and need to get to the checkpoint at least 90 minutes before their domestic flight and 2 1/2 hours prior to their international flight as the airport will be active and congested.

TSA expects to screen over 4% – or 10 million – more passengers than last summer and has already set a new record for the highest number of passengers and crew screened in a single day. TSA experienced its busiest day ever on July 7, 2019, the Sunday after the Independence Day holiday, screening a total of 2,795,014 passengers and crew members and anticipates having other record breaking days throughout the summer.

“Travelers need to come to the airport prepared for the screening process,” said TSA’s Southern Virginia Federal Security Director Robin “Chuck” Burke. “I recommend that passengers listen to the helpful guidance that the TSA officers are providing at the checkpoint to help ensure a smooth checkpoint experience.

“It is also a good idea for travelers to check that they do not have any prohibited items in their carry-on bags. If someone is unsure if an item should go in a checked or carry-on bag, they can tweet their question to @AskTSA or use Facebook Messenger,” he added.

Travelers should arrive early to the airport to ensure that they have ample time to account for traffic, parking and navigating through the terminal. It is advisable to check-in for a flight ahead of time, either on the air carrier’s website or mobile app, to allow even more time to get through security and relax at the gate.

This summer is also the perfect time for Virginia residents to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license. Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. Virginia REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star in the upper right-hand portion of the card.

“Although REAL ID is optional in Virginia, we know that a lot of Virginians rely on their state-issued identification to travel and will want to obtain a REAL ID between now and October 2020,” said Richard D. Holcomb, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. “Coming to DMV with the right documents is the most important step in the process. Prepare yourself by visiting dmvNOW.com/REALID prior to your visit and you’ll have a successful trip to DMV.”