Kauai passengers, prepare for peak travel out of LIH

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Transportation Security Administration advises travelers in Lihue to arrive early and be well-prepared as travel volumes have increased by up to five percent compared to the same period in 2023.

Wait times at Lihue International Airport (LIH) will temporarily exceed standard wait times due to the summer travel season, according to TSA. The busiest days to travel out of LIH are Thursday through Sunday.

TSA checkpoints national wait time standards:

TSA PreCheck – 10 minutes and under

Standard screening lanes – 30 minutes and under

Daily peak hours at LIH:

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

TSA is urging passengers to arrive at least two hours prior to departure time. They are also recommending that passengers reduce carry-on bags and check prohibited items through the myTSA app.

7 helpful travel tips, according to TSA:

• Arrive in the airport terminal at least two hours before flight departure time.
• Review guidelines for traveling with children. Airlines can request proof of age documentation during check-in for children under age 12 traveling unaccompanied. Proof of age documentation must also be provided for children two years of age or younger planning to sit on an adult passenger’s lap. A birth certificate is acceptable proof of age.
• Be prepared for any scenario. In the security checkpoint, have your photo identification and boarding pass readily available. This will keep you from slowing down the screening process for you and everyone behind you.
• Listen to directions provided by TSA officers.
• Pack smart. Always start with an empty bag to ensure you don’t inadvertently bring prohibited items to the security checkpoint. Place electronics larger than a cell phone and travel size liquids at the top of your carry-on so they can be easily accessed if you are required to remove them. Also, be sure that all liquids are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less if transporting them through the security checkpoint.
• Get assistance with security screening prior to traveling. Ensure that carry-ons do not contain prohibited items since they slow down the security screening process. Reach out to TSA via social media and the @AskTSA account on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Travelers can also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
• Double-check your luggage. Prior to traveling, passengers should tag every piece of luggage with their name and address and include additional addresses inside each bag in the event the outside tag falls off. When retrieving luggage at baggage claim, it’s important for passengers to check these tags to ensure they’ve picked up the correct bag.