GPT launches new TSA PreCheck® enrollment initiative for departing travelers on May 26th, just in time for Memorial Day weekend!

Did you know that in April 2022, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in the security screening line?

IDEMIA is excited to bring convenient TSA PreCheck enrollment to travelers. Taking five minutes or less, and with no appointment needed, this special initiative for departing travelers allows them to enroll in TSA PreCheck at the airport as they fly out on their next trip. Once approved, they can then enjoy a smoother screening process at airport security. Look for the IDEMIA TSA PreCheck Enrollment Ambassadors, and make sure you bring your photo ID and proof of citizenship (i.e., passport, birth certificate) or proof of lawful permanent residency. For extra speed and convenience, complete the online application before your trip.  

What is TSA PreCheck?

The TSA PreCheck program was created in December 2011 as a way to provide low-risk travelers with a smoother experience at the airport security passenger checkpoint. The program is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as members participating in Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. The TSA PreCheck program is a great option for frequent travelers looking to save time during the airport security process. Enrolled members can travel with ease with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.  They can also access dedicated screening lanes at participating U.S. airports nationwide. 

What is GPT Offering to Travelers?

GPT is one of the first airports to offer the new TSA PreCheck enrollment initiative. It will allow travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck as they depart for their trip with no need for an appointment. 

Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, this initiative will be available from May 26 through June 6. IDEMIA TSA PreCheck Enrollment Ambassadors will be stationed throughout the airport with carts equipped to enroll passengers in TSA PreCheck. 

  • Start Date: Thursday, May 26, 2022

  • End Date: Monday, June 6, 2022

Hours of Operation

Look for the roving TSA PreCheck Ambassadors who will be enrolling near Level 1 Ticketing and Level 2 Security Checkpoint at the following hours:

Thursday 5/26: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday 5/27: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday 5/28: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sunday 5/29: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Thursday 6/2: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Friday 6/3: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Saturday 6/4: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sunday 6/5: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Monday 6/6: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

This new, simplified initiative delivers TSA PreCheck enrollment in five minutes or less, and most passengers will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days, and in most cases, just in time for their return trip.

What to Expect During the TSA PreCheck Application Process

The enrollment process is quick and convenient.  The traveler can enroll at the airport simply by stopping by the IDEMIA TSA PreCheck enrollment cart. No appointment needed!

Enrolling at the airport is even faster if the traveler applies online beforehand. TSA PreCheck enrollment requires proof of identity, proof of citizenship (forms of identification can be located here: proof of citizenship), fingerprint and photo capture. There is an $85 enrollment application fee, which covers five years of participation, if approved.

Click here if you wish to start the application process before arriving at GPT.

For more information on TSA PreCheck, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/precheck. 

 

Rental Car Parking Upgrades In Progress

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is working to upgrade the rental car parking area. The area is being expanded with additional parking and resurfaced with an added entrance and exit for ease of use. This project is partially funded through MDOT’s Multi-Modal Transportation Improvement Program. We are excited to continue working to improve passengers’ airport experience. 

New Nursing Room Amenity

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is thrilled to offer a new amenity to our passengers in time for the busy holiday travel season. Our new Nursing room provides mothers with a private, quiet and clean area to feed their infants.

The room is located post security checkpoint on the second floor. It is stocked with comfortable chairs, plenty of counter space and outlets, as well as access to a sink. There is also a FIDS monitor so that anyone using the nursing room can monitor their flights.

A New Face for Your Arrivals, Departures & Baggage

The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has completed installing new Flight Information Display (FIDS) software and hardware systems to provide an even more enhanced passenger experience. Find the new and updated screens at check-in counters, arrival and departure boards, boarding gates and baggage claim. This project was funded by a $288,500 grant through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

GPT Resumes Operations Following Hurricane Ida​

GPT Resumes Operations Following Hurricane Ida

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is open following Hurricane Ida. Delta, American, United and Sun Country have all resumed operating flights to and from GPT. Passengers are encouraged to continue checking with their respective airlines for potential schedule updates. 

GPT Airport Coronavirus Preparedness

UPDATE 8/20/2021

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.

Airline travelers should check with their airline on additional inflight restrictions prior to taking their trip. All commuters and travelers should check with the CDC website for additional guidance. Exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 years old and those with certain disabilities as well as civil penalty fines will also remain in place.

Travelers with questions regarding airport security screening procedures may send a message via Facebook or Twitter to @AskTSA for live assistance from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekdays or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on weekends/holidays. Individuals who require screening assistance due to a disability, medical condition or other special circumstance may contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours in advance of their flight by calling (855) 787-2227. For additional information about TSA procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign, visit tsa.gov/coronavirus.

UPDATE 2/1/2021

Per Executive Order of the United States Department of Homeland Security, wearing a mask is required while at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and other public areas of transportation hubs/facilities for the duration of travel, boarding, and disembarking. Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of federal law; passengers may be subject to penalties under federal law. For more information and exemptions to the Executive Order, please visit:

https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/sd-1542-21-01.pdf

UPDATE 1/14/2021

The CDC announced that effective January 26, 2021, negative COVID-19 test requirements will be expanded to all passengers entering the United States.  If you are traveling from an international destination and connecting through one of our partner airline hubs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Ft. Worth, or Houston you can find more information here:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0112-negative-covid-19-air-passengers.html

UPDATE 6/23/2020

 Airline Updates

All commercial airlines currently operating at GPT now require passengers & employees to wear masks or face coverings. Protective plexiglass barriers and social distancing floor markers are located at check-in counters. Enhanced aircraft cleaning protocols, including fogging & electrostatic spraying, are being utilized after every flight. Inflight food & beverage services have been reduced or suspended to minimize the spread of germs. Please visit your respective carrier’s website at the link below for more information.

·        American Airlines- https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/coronavirus-updates.jsp#socialdistancing

·       Delta Air Lines- https://www.delta.com/content/www/us/en/travel-update-center/overview.html

·         United Airlines- https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/united-cleanplus.html

Amenity Updates

·        Gulf Coast Grill and Taproom and Coast Roast are now opening at 6:00 a.m. for carryout and dine-in service with limited menu options. Tables are spaced at a safe distance of 6 feet with no more than 6 people per table. 

·         Faber News & Gifts remains open 1.5 hours before each flight until departure.

·         The Global Entry Enrollment Office will reopen July 7, 2020, and the USO Center’s reopening date is TBD.

TSA Summer Travel Updates
  • Travelers should keep possession of their boarding passes. Instead of handing their boarding pass to a TSA officer at the travel document podium, travelers should now place their boarding pass (paper or electronic) on the boarding pass reader themselves.
  • Travelers are encouraged to wear face protection to the checkpoint. Please note, however, passengers may need to adjust it during the screening process.
  • Travelers are allowed up to 12 oz of liquid hand sanitizer through security. Disinfectant wipes are also allowed.  
  • Passengers should allow for social distancing to reduce direct contact between employees and travelers whenever possible without compromising security.
  • The REAL ID deadline has been extended by 1 year to October 1, 2021.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/05/21/tsa-prepared-summer-travelers-updated-security-procedures

 

UPDATE 3/24/2020

Air Service Updates

GPT provides essential transportation services to our community and remains open. However, some flight schedules have been impacted due to the current travel environment. Passengers are encouraged to directly contact their airline regarding any potential cancellations or schedule changes.

Amenity Updates

Faber News & Gifts remains open offering a selection of publications, t-shirts, snacks and gifts. In-terminal restaurants and bars have closed seating areas but are still offering carryout and grab & go food options from the Coast Roast counter. The USO Center and Global Entry Enrollment Office are temporarily closed.

Operational Updates

GPT continues to monitor the ongoing developments with COVID-19 and is making adjustments to operations as needed. We want to thank our partners who continue to play a critical role ensuring the safety, health and security of passengers.

 

UPDATE 3/12/2020

 

Forrest General Hospital reported this afternoon that the Forrest County individual who tested positive for COVID-19 recently traveled through Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The MSDH State Epidemiologist and Forrest General Hospital Chief Medical Officer have both advised that any person who came into contact with the individual is not in danger of contagion as the person was not displaying symptoms at the time.

 

GPT AIRPORT CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS

The Airport remains vigilant in conducting enhanced cleaning procedures and reminds travelers to continue following the CDC and MSDH recommendations detailed above. We look forward to serving you on upcoming and future travels.  

 

Coronavirus Preparedness: 3/10/2020

GULFPORT, Miss. – The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, in coordination with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), is continuing to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Airport has seen no impacts to regular operations but encourages travelers to contact their airline regarding any potential schedule changes.

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport takes precautions to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19 and protect its passengers and employees. In addition to normal cleaning procedures, the Airport’s custodial team is conducting additional cleanings in frequently touched areas like handrails, door handles and other hard surfaces. Hand sanitizing dispensers are located throughout the terminal for passengers and employees to use. Restroom handwashing stations are also located throughout the terminal both before and after security.

Passengers are encouraged to follow the CDC’s guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

“While it’s critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, it’s equally important to make calm, rational, and fact-based decisions,” noted the U.S. Travel Association.

We look forward to serving you on upcoming and future travels. Thank you for flying Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Emergency Exercise Drill Conducted at GPT

The GPT Operations Team, along with numerous first responders, conducted a full-scale emergency exercise this week to evaluate emergency response systems, techniques, capabilities, and communication networks as they relate to a major aircraft incident.
airport fie engline water drills
airport helicopter rescue drills

GPT Concludes 15-year Noise Mitigation Program

The Gulfport-Biloxi International airport has recently concluded its 15-year Noise Mitigation Program. This noise abatement project was designed to minimize the impact of aircraft noise from the airport onto its surrounding homes, apartments and a school through sound insulation and easement acquisition. It was funded through a combination of federal FAA grants as well as State and Airport matches.

As a result:

  • Homes Sound Insulated – 790
  • Apartments Sound Insulated – 18
  • Schools Sound Insulated -1
  • Parcels Acquired – 10
  • Avigation Easements – 311

Program Funding:

Total Program Dollars From 2005-2020 = $42,454,070

  • FAA Federal Grants – $39,889,682
  • State Match – $1,282,194
  • Airport Match – $1,282,194
 Click on the image below to view the interactive project map.

Noise Mitigation Contour Map

GPT Announces New Director of Finance

GULFPORT, Miss. – Kim Banisch has joined the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport as Director of Finance. Banisch is responsible for directing and managing all airport financial and administrative activities.

Banisch holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi. She previously served as a Certified Public Accountant for Alexander, Van Loon, Sloan, Levens & Favre, PLLC in Gulfport, where she was a member of their tax department and IT team. Banisch has over 27 years of accounting experience in other industries such as healthcare, education and music entertainment.

Banisch is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Mississippi Society of CPAs and 2019 Gulf Coast Business Council Masters Class. She serves as President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and a member of the University of Southern Mississippi School of Accountancy’s Advisory Board.