Senator Leahy addresses the gathering for the TIP grand opening. The new security checkpoint will be open for the public next Tuesday morning. VermontBiz photos.
Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Burlington International Airport (BTV) held a grand opening for the long-awaited Terminal Integration Project (TIP). This terminal integration will feature a streamlined security checkpoint, expanded passenger seating, and improved amenities, while greatly reducing BTV’s carbon footprint, among other efficiencies.
Passengers will begin utilizing the integrated security checkpoint, found on the south side of the terminal, this Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 4 am.
“Our vision is to maintain the Burlington International Airport as an essential public resource and a best-in-class facility for generations to come,” said Mayor Weinberger. “The opening of the Terminal Integration Projection represents a dramatic step forward in our planned expansions and improvements at Burlington International Airport and supports our work to continuously improve travel, strengthen safety, lower emissions, and maintain a welcoming and comfortable space for Burlingtonians and visitors alike at the airport.”
Senator Leahy, Vermont TSA Director Chuck Woyat, Mayor Weinberger and BTV Director of Aviation Nic Longo.
This $19 million project was funded by an Airport Improvement Grant (AIP) administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, which Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) was instrumental in securing for BTV, Weinberger said.
“Infrastructure projects of this size in small states like Vermont are too often overlooked by federal agencies. But as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I fought to make certain Vermont had a seat at the table during annual spending negotiations,” Leahy said. “I am proud of the work we have done to make BTV the hub for tourism, commerce, and technology that it is today. These improvements to the airport will improve passenger services and help keep Vermonters connected to each other, other parts of the country, and the world.”
Leahy praised the airport and TSA staff, the city, contractors and architects for their hard work in bringing the project to fruition. "Getting the money was the easy part," he said.
This is the first of what is expected to be three major capital projects, which will include and upgrade to the North Terminal.
The new terminal features a four-lane security checkpoint equipped with state-of-the-art screening technology, which will help to reduce security wait times and create a more streamlined screening experience for passengers.
“TSA is excited to unveil the latest in computed tomography (CT) technology in this newly consolidated screening checkpoint,” said Chuck Woyat, Federal Security Director for Vermont. “When the CTs are in use, travelers do not need to remove electronics or travel-size liquids from carry-on luggage, helping to streamline the traveling experience.
The opening to the X-ray tunnel on a CT unit is slightly smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit, so TSA advises travelers not to force larger items into the tunnel, but instead, ask a TSA officer for assistance. TSA also recommends that larger carry-on items be checked with the airline. Another feature of the CT scanner system is every carry-on item must be placed in a bin for screening.”
Among high-efficiency LED lighting within this building to reduce BTV’s carbon footprint, the rooftop will host an array of solar panels to power the building, as well as a battery-powered generator. These efficiencies will set the pace for the entirety of BTV’s terminal redesign that is to come.
“We are grateful to our federal partners, especially Senator Leahy, for allowing this project to come to fruition. This phase of construction’s completion is the beginning of a terminal redesign, which will improve the BTV experience for our local community and the dedicated and hardworking BTV employees,” said Nic Longo, Director of Aviation, Burlington International Airport. “I am pleased to welcome travelers to an elevated travel experience at BTV and look forward to continuing to make BTV the greenest and most efficient airport in the country.”
The four new screening lanes now contain state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners in the security checkpoint.
“CT technology uses a sophisticated algorithm to analyze the content of the bag and will allow TSA officers to rotate the image and ascertain that no threats are contained in the bag without needing to open the suitcase,” said Chuck Woyat, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Vermont. “Reducing the number of bags that need a visual inspection improves the security experience.”
TSA officers at BTV are currently screening around 2,200 people a day, so the new security screening checkpoint comes just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday rush. Last year during the holiday, TSA officers screened up to 2,400 passengers a day.
Travel advice
TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepared for the screening experience to allow for timely completion of every step of the travel process. To help things go smoothly, please follow these tips:
Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Some people may not have traveled recently, so it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. There may be information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience.
Empty your pockets prior to arriving in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses and other loose items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind and more secure.
Follow the rule for traveling with liquids. Gels, liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then it is subject to the liquids restriction rule. Anything in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should travel in checked baggage.
Pack smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags and make sure they are not bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to contact @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger to get answers to your travel questions.
Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Extra time may be needed for parking, airline check-in and in the security checkpoint. BTV airport officials recommend arriving two hours prior to departure. There is no substitute for arriving early and being prepared.
The Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses an intelligence-based approach and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov.
10.6.2022. BURLINGTON, VT – Burlington International Airport. TSA.