Flying From Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving? Leave the Peanut Butter in Your Checked Bag

The Transportation Security Administration has started its pre-Thanksgiving push at Pittsburgh International Airport, sharing advice on Thursday, November 12, for travelers who will pass through its checkpoints over the coming weeks. TSA regional spokesperson Eric Guthier urged passengers to give themselves more time than usual, as the holiday period is shaping up to be one of the busiest in years across the U.S. air network.

The core recommendation is to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international departure. That buffer allows for longer lines at security as well as heavier traffic at curbside drop-off, parking and bag check, all of which slow down during holiday peaks. American Airlines, for its part, said it expects to carry more than 8 million passengers between November 19 and December 1.

Food is where many holiday travelers get tripped up. Solid foods, including pies, sandwiches and cooked dishes, can go through the checkpoint in carry-on bags. But items that spread or pour, such as peanut butter, gravy, cranberry sauce and other liquids, are treated as liquids and should be packed in checked luggage if they exceed the standard carry-on limits. Getting that wrong is one of the most common causes of bag searches at this time of year.

TSA also noted that it is rolling out touchless ID for PreCheck members, which uses facial comparison instead of a manual ID check where it is available. Travelers unsure whether an item is allowed can text the word TRAVEL to 275-872, which spells out AskTSA, or check the agency’s website. Having boarding passes, ID and any liquids ready before reaching the front of the line keeps things moving for everyone.

Sources: CBS News Pittsburgh, TSA