With more than one million passengers passing through our airport last year, the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport is gearing up for another record breaking year! Since February 2017, MFR has continued to consecutively break passenger flow records. May 2019 surpassed last year’s 84,825 by nearly 10%, seeing over 93,000 passengers! The combination of a consecutive record breaking growth, and the busy summer travel season means passengers should give themselves a little extra time when flying out of the Medford Airport. Airline staff, along with Airport officials and TSA, recommend passengers arrive two hours before their scheduled departure time. This will allow ample time to park, check-in and clear security.
Here are a few tips for summer vacationers that will help speed travelers, and their gear through airport security procedures:
Fireworks –Fireworks are not allowed on airplanes, in checked or carry-on baggage.
Golf Clubs – There is no better time than the summer to hit the links, so here are a few tips for traveling with golfing gear. Before flying, clean off clubs to reduce the likelihood of triggering screening equipment alarms. Remember to pack clubs in a travel bag and consider leaving it unlocked.
Summer Campers – Every summer thousands of kids travel to summer or scout camps. Be sure to check the camp’s suggested supply list against the TSA prohibited items list to avoid headaches at the security checkpoints. Items like pocketknives and mace are not permitted in carry-on luggage. Parents and camp counselors can call ahead to airlines for permission to escort children to and from boarding gates. Children under 18 are not required to show identification.
Sporting Goods – Summer is also a great time to go scuba diving, catch some fish or go camping. Scuba tanks are not allowed on commercial airlines for safety reasons. Consider renting a tank at your destination. Sports gear – such as bats, golf clubs and lacrosse sticks – must be checked. Campers traveling with gas containers for grills or stoves must find another way to send them, because gas containers cannot be checked or carried onto a plane.
Lotions, Spray and Foods – Outdoor enthusiasts will pack sun tan lotion, bug repellant and other skin care products. In general, it is fine to pack these items in either checked or carry-on bags, but travelers should check with their airline before flying with aerosol canisters as some canisters are flammable. Summer travelers who want to bring back favorite foods from their destination can do so, but all liquids going through the checkpoint must not be larger than 3.4 ounces, and must fit in a quart sized bag. Remove these items from carry-on and place in a bin.
Packing Bags – Use the bins at the Security Checkpoint to keep things organized – TSA has enhanced security measures, which may add a few minutes to the screening process. To make the security process flow a bit more smoothly:
- All liquids going through the checkpoint must not be larger than 3.4 ounces, and must fit in a quart sized bag. Remove these items from carry-on and place in a bin.
- Shoes must be in a bin by themselves, or placed directly on the conveyor belt (Nothing on top of, or below shoes.)
- If wearing a hat, belt, coat, sweatshirt and/or scarf remove it and place in bin.
- All electronics must be removed from carry-on and placed in bin(s)
*Cell phones *Lap tops *Tablets *Kindles *Video game consoles
For further information about TSA procedures, read the frequently asked questions or watch TSA’s travel tips videos