Spokane airport urges travelers to arrive 90 minutes before boarding times

Catching a flight in Spokane? You’d better get to the airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled boarding time.

Both the Transportation Security Administration and Spokane International Airport are encouraging passengers to give themselves extra time to get through screening.

Airlines are predicting a record spring travel season, said Todd Woodard, an airport spokesman. The addition of new nonstop flights to San Diego, Chicago O’Hare, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth and Sacramento also means more people are funneling through the airport.

TSA responded to increased passenger demand by opening security screening checkpoints at 4 a.m., which is 30 minutes earlier than usual.

The airport’s two peak screening times are 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. TSA officials say they are paying overtime to ensure adequate staffing levels.

The airport is working with TSA to install one additional screening lane in the A/B and C terminals. The intent is to have the new lanes operational by June 1.