The TSA Just Issued A New Warning For Minnesota Travelers
Federal travel officials have just dropped a heads‑up for passengers right as the holiday crush begins, and it’s already reshaping how some Minnesotans think about their trip prep. With many of us gearing up to fly, this alert might have you change your routine before you head through the airport security line.
A lot of us here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and around the country will be traveling during the Christmas and New Year holidays. In fact, the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period that kicks off on Saturday, December 20, and ends on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
That figure represents an over 2 percent increase from last year's total, and is now once again more than the amount of holiday travelers who headed out during our holiday season before the pandemic, back in 2019.
Holiday Travel Is Surging to Pre-Pandemic Levels
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If you're one of the estimated 397,000 Minnesotans who will be taking to the friendly skies this holiday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just issued a new warning that could affect your trip this year-- especially when it comes to your phone or mobile device.
That free USB charger and free WiFi at the airport could actually give you some big headaches. According to a post on the TSA Facebook page earlier this year, they advise against using EITHER of those two travel perks typically offered for free at most airports.
TSA Issues New Holiday Travel Warning for Flyers
Here's what the TSA said:
- Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called “juice/port jacking”). So, when you’re at an airport, do not plug your phone directly into a USB port. Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there.
- Don’t use free public WiFi, especially if you’re planning to make any online purchases. Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure WiFi.
Why the TSA Says Your Phone or Device Could Be at Risk
Instead, this USA Today story said that the TSA advises you to 'bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there,' the story reported.
And when it comes to that free WiFi, while it seems okay to use if you're just killing time mindlessly scrolling through your Insta feed, if you're doing anything that requires entering a password, you should be cautious of the network you're using. Utilizing password manager tools can protect and encrypt your passwords, according to USA Today.
And even if you're staying close to home for the holidays, heading out to check out the lights is still a fun activity for families all across the Bold North, right? Keep scrolling to check out some of the best in Minnesota in 2025!
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