Guide dogs in training explore TSA checkpoint, other areas of BWI Airport terminal

BALTIMORE - With the holidays right around the corner, we're entering a busy period for travel.

So, future guide dogs got the chance to explore BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to practice going through a TSA checkpoint.

TSA officers screened 20 puppies on Monday.

It's part of the dogs training with "Guiding Eyes for the Blind" so they will be prepared when they accompany their owners on future flights.

The puppies also got to sniff around and explore other parts of the airport Including the check-in counter, gate area and baggage claim.

"The orientation session was a hit with the dog trainers, the TSA officers and, of course, with the dogs. There was plenty of tail wagging," said Grant Goodlett, TSA's Deputy Federal Security Director for Maryland. "The collaborative effort benefitted the guide dogs, the airport and TSA and will go a long way to ensuring that the dogs and their eventual owners will have a smooth checkpoint experience in the future."