In May, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned that this summer’s travel season was expected to be the busiest ever — and it was right. The Friday before Memorial Day broke the record for the number of travelers screened at U.S. airports, with more than 2.9 million people. That record was promptly broken again on June 23, when 2.99 million passed through airport security screening. And on July 7, a new single-day record was set as, for the first time, more than 3 million people were screened. In total, eight of the 10 busiest days in TSA history have come this year as travel surges above pre-pandemic levels. Those sky-high statistics mean increased crowding, confusion and security risks — a signal for travelers to take precautions to stay safe and a reminder for all of us that investing in law enforcement to protect our nation’s airports and their surrounding communities is more crucial than ever. Nowhere is that more true than at LAX, which remains one of the country’s busiest aviation hubs and is preparing for major international events on the horizon.

For airline passengers, one key to a smoother and safer travel experience begins before you even leave home: packing. Make sure you know what’s in your bag by completely emptying it before you begin — many guns end up at airports simply because people forget they had them stored in their luggage. If you’re purposely bringing a weapon for a hunting or camping excursion, be sure it is safely stowed in your checked baggage, not your carry-on. Review the TSA guidelines to know what you can and can’t bring through security or aboard a plane, and if you’re unsure about an item, you can even snap a photo and text it to AskTSA (275-872) to get an answer in real time. Carrying a firearm or other prohibited item through the security checkpoint can not only cause delay and danger for your fellow travelers, but may also lead to citation, arrest and civil penalties up to $15,000. Further, you’ll lose your TSA PreCheck eligibility for five years for the first offense, while second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program.

Another important safety step is to be prepared for long lines, traffic and other potential delays. Stay up to date on road and weather conditions and allow plenty of extra time to reach the airport and your gate. With all the changes at LAX over the last few years due to the ongoing modernization projects, be extra sure you know where you’re going and how to get there, especially if you haven’t flown recently. Research your route, including factors such as construction and detours, parking and airport layout, public transportation options and alternate routes. Readiness will help make your journey not only more pleasant, but also safer by helping you stay cool and collected amid the hustle and bustle. Rushed and distracted travelers are most vulnerable to danger, so stay alert and vigilant. Keep your wallet, ID and boarding pass in a safe place at all times, never lose sight of your luggage and never watch a stranger’s bag or agree to transport something for them. If you hear a loud noise indicating violence in a crowded public area, move away from it to a quiet, safe place, like a bathroom, and make sure you obey any instructions provided by law enforcement.

All these tips can help reduce the stress of travel, keep crowds moving smoothly and assist airport police in maintaining a secure environment for visitors and local residents. But as we in law enforcement are well aware, the unexpected can strike at any time. Just a little over two weeks ago, on July 6, an LAX passenger who appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis became irate and ran out of Terminal 4 onto the tarmac before being apprehended by Los Angeles Airport Police officers and arrested on suspicion of battery against a police officer and trespassing on airport property. Cases of unruly and often aggressive passengers who have caused disturbances and sometimes threatened or physically assaulted fellow travelers or airline employees at airports and on flights spiked dramatically in 2021 and remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 915 cases of unruly passengers reported this year just through June 9 — well before the summer travel season heated up. And although it was caused by a faulty software update rather than a deliberate cyberattack, the global IT outage of July 19, believed to be the largest in history, caused thousands of flights to be canceled and plunged airports into chaos, demonstrating how vulnerable our digitized, interconnected world is to such dangerous disruption.

On July 26, millions of people around the world will watch the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. We are keenly aware that just four short years from now, all eyes will be on Los Angeles as our city hosts the 2028 Games. And even before that, tens of thousands will flock to L.A. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, less than two years away. Our city and our airports must be ready for the huge influx of travelers — and the accompanying scrutiny and security risks — these massive international events will bring, and strong local law enforcement is paramount to that effort.

“Even as our airport has experienced steady growth in passenger volume and exponential physical expansion, investment in its proprietary aviation police force failed to keep pace,” LAAPOA President Marshall McClain says. “From its peak in 2018 to 2023, LAXPD staffing fell 20%. With travel continuing to increase, the volatile state of our nation and world, and L.A. preparing for the added security concerns that come with stepping into the global spotlight in 2026 and 2028, LAX must focus as urgently on regenerating its peace officer ranks as it has on updating its transportation and terminals. We look forward to continuing to work with LAWA and City leadership, our law enforcement partners, the aviation community and our local communities to further our mission of providing world-class protection and service to LAX, visitors and residents each and every day.”