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Tips to Ease You Through Today's Airport Security.
Despite the tragic events of September 11th, it appears that many of us are back traveling. However, if it's your first trip or your fiftieth since September
11th you know that nothing is how it was or ever will be again.
New security procedures have been put into
place and while the federal government is enacting a uniform
security policy for airline travel, not all airports are yet
standardized. Simply, what systems that are in place at one
airport will not necessarily be in place at another.
A good rule is to plan ahead and prepare for
the strictest security policies. Common sense
and wise planning are the keys to a successful trip.
What to Know Before You Go.
Here are a few notes and tips to keep in mind. Acceptable Check-in Identity.
- Adults are required to have at least one current government issued photo ID - such as passports, driver's licenses, military ID's, etc. Expired identification will be rejected. Children traveling alone should also have photo identification.
- Only passengers with valid tickets will be allowed beyond screener checkpoints. Persons who are attending to child passengers and travelers needing a medical assistant will be permitted into secure gate areas.
- Ticketless passengers (E-tickets) will need proper
documentation from air carriers (i.e. acknowledgment of reservation).
Guidelines for Passing Carry-on Security
Screening.
We have been warned in the past never to joke about terrorist activities, bombs, or anything even
remotely related. In today's environment it is especially
important not to act suspiciously. It never ceases to amaze
me how often someone
steps over the line and finds how serious others are
taking the situation.
- While the FAA suggests arriving 1-1/2 hours ahead of flight time, check with your air carrier for specific check-in times if you are a carry-on traveler.
Remember screening lines will be longer during peak travel time and Holidays.
- Prepare for security screening, not just your
carry-on items but your check-in luggage
and your person as well.
- Be ready to answer any questions and do not accept items from strangers. Keep your luggage and personal belongings with you at all time.
- Slip keys, coins, pens, etc. in your carry-on for X-ray, you will pass through metal detectors without incident. Any metal item (buttons, zippers, hair accessories, and prosthetics ) can set off sensitive detectors. Minimize screening time by reducing the number of metal items on your person.
- Carry proper identity to indicate any medical metal implants.
- Women with underwire bras may be patted down. You may politely request a female security agent to search your person, however, this may cause you some delay.
- Shoes with metal shanks can trigger alarms. You may be asked to remove your shoes.
- Be prepared to open and activate carry-on electronic items such as: laptops, cameras, cell phones, etc.
- Some airports are equipped with "sniffer" scanners. These devices check for chemical and compound resides.
- Avoid further delay by waiting to lock carry-on
luggage until you've passed through screening areas. Any wrapped packages may
be searched, so wait to wrap any gifts or, if possible, pack such items in
check-in luggage.
Avoid additional scrutiny by not carrying prohibited items.
If in doubt - Leave it out.
Warning: Civil penalties of up to $1,100 per violation in addition to criminal penalties are being enforced to those passengers who knowingly attempt to carry banned items.
- Knives of any length.
- All cutting and puncturing items including corkscrews.
- Flammable liquids and containers under pressure such as aerosols. Permitted are personal care items - perfumes, deodorants, etc. however, containers may not exceed 16 fluid ounces.
- Matches and lighters may only be carried on your person. "Strike-anywhere" matches and lighters with flammable liquid reservoirs are forbidden (such as disposable lighters).
- Toy weapons. Sports equipment (golf clubs, bats, pool cues, etc. must be checked), power tools.
- Any item that may be consider dangerous or used as a
weapon may be prohibited regardless of its original intended use.
- Visit the Transportation Security Administration for website a complete list of the latest allowable and prohibited
items.
Recently I witnessed a woman ahead of me at security checkpoint who was
detained for carrying a hair pick with 4-inch long needle-like prongs. While I'm sure her use of the item was personal
and she meant no harm to anyone, she made matters worse for herself
by arguing with security personal when they
confiscated the item.
- Take along a pre self-addressed stamped padded envelope
in case you've mistakenly packed something that security won't
allow you to take on-board. Most security personal
will allow you to place the object in a mailer and use
airport postal centers to mail it to yourself.
- Use transparent bags for packing all your clothing,
including: underwear, toiletries, dirty laundry, etc.
Your contents can be seen easily and will avoid hand
searching through personal items. Our see-through
Space Packs are the perfect solution - helps organize
clothing, eliminates manhandling of your personal items and provides for quick
re-packing of searched items at security checkpoints.
Tips for Checking Luggage.
Perhaps one good thing that has happened as a result
of tighter procedures is - less luggage is being lost.
Better control measures are now in place to match luggage
with on-board passengers.
So go ahead, relax - check your bags.
- If you have luggage to check, arrive at the airport 1-1/2 to 2 hours ahead of flight time. Longer if you are flying internationally. Check with your air carrier for specific guidelines.
- Have your luggage checked through to your final destination to avoid security screening between connecting flights.
- Curbside luggage check-in is available through some airlines at some airports. Verify with your departure and arrival airports for their current procedures. This may change during the duration of your trip.
- Be prepared to identify your checked luggage and have identity luggage tags affixed to each bag.
- Some airports are now equipped to X-ray check-in
luggage. Avoid packing any suspicious items which will trigger further
scrutiny and cause delay.
- Leave your check-in bags unlocked for ramdom hand searches preformed
at security check points.
Carry-On Food and Food
Services Advice.
Pack snack(s) or, depending on the length of your flight
itinerary, a lunch or more, especially if traveling with
children. Airlines are cutting back on everything.
Many flights, even long ones, do not serve
food and generally anything is better and cheaper than airport food.
- In some airports to reach full service food malls will require leaving secure gate areas. Getting back will require going through security checkpoints, long lines and possibility of missed connections.
- Be prepared to open food containers and, in fact, take a sip of any liquids taken aboard.
- Avoid any powdery products such as coffee creamers,
artificial sugars, and even baby formula unless properly packaged, such
products may be confiscated.
All rules and practices regarding security, carry-ons, and other airline/airport practices are subject to change without notice. It is best to call your airline or check with the airport just before departure for the latest updates.
Regardless of what happens, please be patient, take a deep breath, and recognize that airline and airport employees are just as frustrated as you are. Remember these extra measurers of security are imposed for your benefit and safety as a traveler.
See you on the road!
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travel tips. Meanwhile, I hope you'll share your travel tales, experiences,
likes and dislikes with us at: travel stories and travel tips.
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