Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) want travelers who are ticketed to fly out of Terminals A and B at Newark Liberty International Airport to know that they should arrive at least two hours before their scheduled domestic flights and three hours before scheduled international flights.
This is necessary as security checkpoint operations have changed as a result of the closure of one-third of the checkpoint lanes in Terminal A due to the ongoing modernization and redevelopment of the new Terminal A.
The project is in its final phase of construction, which included the closure of all four of the checkpoint lanes in the A1 concourse.
As a result, officials strongly encourage travelers to arrive early due to higher than usual wait times during peak periods at the remaining available checkpoint lanes in concourses A2 and A3, which have four checkpoint lanes each.
Additionally, several flights are being shifted to Terminal B, which is also impacted because many flights that usually depart from the A1 concourse are being moved to Terminal B.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines often to confirm the terminal and concourse of their flight departure due to the fluid situation of ongoing construction.
Individuals flying on Air Canada, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are likely to experience the greatest impact as a result of the current phase of construction.
PANYNJ, airline and TSA officials are aware that travel volume is heavier than usual as the Thanksgiving holiday travel period approaches, which will result in an even greater impact on the remaining checkpoint lanes.
For up-to-date security wait times, visit Newark Airport’s website. For navigating through the airport and for what travelers need to know, visit the airport travel tips page or subscribe to PANYNJ advisories and updates.
“During this time of increasing passenger volume, coupled with long-term improvements to the airport infrastructure, we ask travelers to arrive early and please pack some patience,” said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey.
“Rest assured that TSA officers continue to remain focused on providing efficient security screening of passengers and their belongings through the remaining available checkpoint lanes in Terminal A.”
When construction is complete next spring, the new Terminal A will have 16 security checkpoint lanes, resulting in more efficient security screening operations.