Taxing Long Island
News12 New York
Download the App
Where to Watch
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
Stony Brook Medicine
FIFA World Cup

TSA gives advice on busy holiday travel season

"Traffic getting into the airport will take extra time," said John Essig, the federal security director of TSA at LaGuardia Airport.

Lindsay Tanney

Dec 15, 2025, 6:20 PM

Updated

Share:

Top Stories

TSA is urging travelers to get to the airport early this travel season, as it says wait times may be longer than usual.

"Traffic getting into the airport will take extra time," said John Essig, the federal security director of TSA at LaGuardia Airport.

Essig also wants travelers to know they can check LaGuardia's website for security wait times in advance.

Another piece of advice: sign up for TSA PreCheck. Essig said there's a $15 discount for families currently and having TSA PreCheck leads to much shorter lines at security check points.

When it comes to holiday gift giving, TSA wants to remind people to not travel with wrapped gifts because they may be opened during security checks. Bagged gifts are preferred, or you can pack your gift and wrapping paper separately.

To get through, travelers need to present the TSA agent with a REAL ID or a passport. Starting Feb. 1, travelers will get a $45 fee if they don't have a REAL ID or passport.

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices