TSA is urging travelers to get to the airport early this travel season, as it says wait times may be longer than usual.

"Traffic getting into the airport will take extra time," said John Essig, the federal security director of TSA at LaGuardia Airport.

Essig also wants travelers to know they can check LaGuardia's website for security wait times in advance.

Another piece of advice: sign up for TSA PreCheck. Essig said there's a $15 discount for families currently and having TSA PreCheck leads to much shorter lines at security check points.

When it comes to holiday gift giving, TSA wants to remind people to not travel with wrapped gifts because they may be opened during security checks. Bagged gifts are preferred, or you can pack your gift and wrapping paper separately.

To get through, travelers need to present the TSA agent with a REAL ID or a passport. Starting Feb. 1, travelers will get a $45 fee if they don't have a REAL ID or passport.