JACKSON, Wyoming - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) assured members of the local Jackson community that it is prepared to accommodate and screen additional travelers at neighboring airports during the temporary closure of the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). The planned closure at JAC begins Monday, April 11 and will continue through Tuesday, June 28.
The closest airport to JAC is Idaho Falls Regional Airport, located about 100 miles to the west. TSA has adjusted its staffing and the airport has added additional flights with larger aircraft to accommodate the increase in travelers. Other alternate airports include Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport in Rock Springs to the south; Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody to the northeast; and Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Bozeman to the north. COD has added two additional flights to assist those who need to travel during the closure at JAC.
Regardless of airport, TSA advises passengers to plan ahead and arrive early due to the increase in the number of people traveling. Because this may be the first time many of the passengers have departed from any of the alternate airports, preparation will be key.
Travel outlook nationally
Nationwide, TSA officers are screening an average of 2 million people per day, which is a 65% increase from last year, but still down from pre-pandemic 2019 levels when TSA was screening approximately 2.3 million people on average per day. Passenger volumes at IDA and BZN continue to exceed national trends with travel volumes exceeding pre-pandemic levels due to increased number of available flights and larger aircraft.
Generally speaking, the busiest days to travel are Thursdays and Fridays as well as Sundays and Mondays. Flight departure schedules are determined by the airlines. When there is a concentrated number of flight departures over a short period of time, there will be intervals when the number of departing passengers will exceed the capacity of the TSA security checkpoint at many airports, so arriving early is key.
Travel advice
To help make the security checkpoint experience go smoothly, please follow these tips:
Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Many people have not traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction given by uniformed TSA officers in the security checkpoint. They may be providing information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience.
Empty your pockets when you get to the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses and other loose items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will reduce touchpoints and ensure items are not left behind.
Follow the rule for traveling with liquids. Gels, liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then it is subject to the liquids restriction rule.
Pack smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags and make sure they are not bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to contact @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to get answers to your travel questions.
Enroll in TSA PreCheck®. Experience a smoother screening process by enrolling in TSA PreCheck®. Eligible travelers do not need to remove shoes, belts, light outerwear, laptops, electronics larger than a cell phone or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage.
The closest enrollment center to JAC is located at 461 May Street in Idaho Falls. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. In March 2022, 94% of travelers eligible for TSA PreCheck waited five minutes or less to be screened at airports nationwide. Another benefit of the program is that children 12 and under are permitted to use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary.
Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Extra time may be needed for parking, airline check-in counters and at the security checkpoint.
Continue to wear a face mask. The federal requirement to wear a mask anywhere in the nation’s transportation system remains in place. TSA will continue to assess the duration of the requirement in consultation with CDC.