Blended security lanes coming to Glacier airport
Passengers disembark from the American Airlines inaugural flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Glacier Park International Airport on Thursday, June 6. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Glacier Park International Airport will begin using “blended” security lanes starting during the holiday season rush, the Transportation Security Administration announced Tuesday. Small airports that don’t have a dedicated TSA Pre-check lane will use blended lanes to provide TSA Pre-check screening for eligible travelers and their carry-on luggage.
With blended lanes, TSA agents are able to screen both TSA Pre-check and non-TSA Pre-check travelers in the standard lanes.
TSA Pre-check passengers do not have to remove their shoes, light outerwear or belts during security, and they can keep laptops, electronics larger than a cellphone and travel-sized liquids in their carry-on luggage.
Travelers who are already signed up for TSA Pre-check will automatically receive these benefits when using blended lanes, but they should be sure to enter their Known Traveler Number in their airline reservations. They may receive an identifying card for themselves and their carry-on baggage.
TSA Pre-check status requires an application and in-person visit to an enrollment center. To apply for TSA Pre-check, go to www.tsa.gov/precheck and select “Apply Now.”
GPIA is one of 13 airports in Montana that will now have blended TSA lanes. Blended lanes became operational at airports across the country earlier this year and started in Montana at Butte’s Bert Mooney Airport in October.
TSA expects passenger volumes to increase significantly on Friday, Dec. 20, and stay high throughout the holiday season. In addition to TSA Pre-check screening, TSA recommends a few tips to make airport travel quicker and smoother during this busy time. They suggest putting gifts in bags instead of wrapping them, in case the wrapped items need to be unwrapped during security. They also advise passengers to avoid bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories and large belt buckles that could prompt additional screening. Liquids such as jellies and sauces larger than 3.4 ounces should be placed in checked baggage, but baked goods and other solid foods can be kept in carry-on luggage.