As the Jewish holiday of Passover approaches, TSA anticipates an increase in the volume of individuals traveling. Passover 2013 began in the evening of Monday, March 25 and ended in the evening of Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at sundown, with heaviest travel occurring the week prior to, during, and the week following the holiday. Our workforce is aware of the unique items carried by individuals and religious practices individuals may engage in while traveling. This may include reading of religious text or participating in prayer rituals. Observant travelers may be wearing a head covering, prayer shawl, and phylacteries -- in Hebrew, kippah, tallit, and tefillin. Some travelers will be carrying boxes of matzoh, which are consumed as part of the Passover ritual. Matzoh can be machine or handmade and are typically very thin and fragile, and break easily. Passengers traveling with religious items, including handmade matzoh, may request a hand inspection by the TSO of the items at the security checkpoint.

To inquire about screening procedures or provide feedback, call or email the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 and TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov.