RDM update: Broken TSA X-ray machine repaired

(Update: X-ray machine fixed, 90-minutes early recommendation reinstated)

A broken part in a TSA X-ray screening machine at Redmond Municipal Airport has been repaired, officials said Thursday night, meaning travelers can again show up 90 minutes before their scheduled flight, rather than the two-hour recommendation made earlier this week.

TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers said the security checkpoint screening capacity has returned to normal.

Thanks to the public announcement, travelers heeded the message to arrive at the airport early, leading to no missed flights, Redmond Communications Manager Heather Cassaro said.

“It is still advisable to arrive 90 minutes prior to your flight departure time, especially during the busy summer travel season,” Cassaro said.

TSA offers the following tips for travelers:

* Note that the security checkpoint opens at 3:30 a.m. every day and airline ticket counters open at 3:15 a.m..
* Consider checking your luggage. Reducing the number of bags and personal items that need to be screened through the security checkpoint saves time for all travelers.
* Be prepared for the screening process. Don’t bring prohibited items to security checkpoint. Use TSA’s “Can I Bring?” feature to find out whether an item is allowed in your carry-on luggage or if it needs to be placed in checked luggage. This information is available on TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all or you can download the “MyTSA” app for on-the-go travel advice.

To expedite the screening process, they said, “Please be ready to remove electronic objects larger than a cell phone. TSA would like to remind passengers to check all baggage for weapons, loose ammunition and other hazardous items prior to travel.”

To help RDM passengers ‘know before they go,’ RDM officials have updated the airport website to include parking lot webcams, located at http://www.flyrdm.com/?Airport-Parking-Lot-Cams. Airport Parking webcams are updated every half hour.

Additional helpful travel links to TSA, airport amenities and information, air carrier and flight information at RDM can be found online at www.flyrdm.com.