JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest holidays for travelers and airport officials are expecting heavy traffic, especially during the morning hours.
About 15,000 passengers will come through the Jacksonville International Airport, so TSA will be checking bags thoroughly at the security checkpoint. On Friday, local TSA officials showcased a table of items that were "voluntarily abandoned" at the airport.
The following items included: firearms; knives; brass knuckles; power tools and golf clubs. Each item can be considered a weapon. Depending on what it is, TSA could give the traveler the option to leave it or return the item to their car.
Officials suggest double checking what TSA allows in checked luggage and carry on bags. Firearms are prohibited.
"Because of the additional signage and what TSA is doing at the airport we've had a reduction so far in the number of guns at the checkpoint," Jacksonville Aviation Authority's Vice President of External Affairs Michael Steward said.
Officials are expecting the busiest days to be Nov. 27, and the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. On-airport parking is also anticipated to reach maximum capacity. Any capacity closures, JAA said, will be posted in real-time on the JAX Airport Website.
Travelers are recommended to use off-airport parking businesses on Airport Road.