“Air travel rules and requirements constantly changing” |
| Air travel rules and requirements constantly changing Posted: 28 Aug 2010 03:33 AM PDT As security remains a top priority, Corfman said the frequent flyers are accustomed to all of the ongoing restrictions and requirements. Oftentimes, the infrequent flyer is unfamiliar with the liquid restrictions and packs a large shampoo in their bag instead of a small bottle. Corfman said there are to be no unattended vehicles parked in front of the entrance. She said nearby cell phone lots are available so that those picking up a traveler can wait there for free until they get the call that their loved one is ready to be picked up at the door. Enhanced security measures According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), passengers traveling on flights to the U.S. from international destinations are sure to notice enhanced, random security measures, including the increased use of explosives trace detection, canine teams, advanced imaging technology (body scans), and behavior detection among other measures. Passengers who opt out of imaging technology screening, which some believe is too intrusive, will go through alternative screening, including same-gender pat downs. Arrive early Because of the extra time needed to conduct enhanced security measures, passengers are advised to contact their airport to find out how early they should arrive. AirTran at Flint Bishop International Airport recommends travelers arrive at least 90 minutes early. Keep the number to the airline handy or program it into one's cell phone. Prohibited food items Airport employees have seen it all when it comes to passengers wanting to carry food on to the plane. The TSA has a long list of prohibited carry-on food items. Rather than assuming, it's OK to have that expensive bottle of perfume in a carry-on bag, check out the list (see sidebar) and see that this is one of those prohibited items. Oversized electronics If oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) are in a carry-on bag be aware that the traveler will be required to remove these items from the bag and submit them separately for x-ray screening. Small electronics, such as iPods, can remain in the carry-on bag. Liquids To simplify the amount of liquids that can be in a carry-on bag, airlines refer to the amount as "3-1-1 for carry-ons." This term refers to 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. Although some feel it is an inconvenience, it is also an inconvenience for would-be terrorists who might be attempting to carry on a dangerous amount of explosive or damaging liquids, according to the TSA. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag, however, they still need to be declared. Metal detectors All travelers must pass through metal detectors before boarding an aircraft. Transportation security officers have to identify any metal that is detected at the checkpoint. If the metal detector alarms as the passenger walks through, the person will be required to undergo additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection. Firearms Don't attempt to carry on a firearm. Security officers are required to contact law enforcement immediately if one is discovered, regardless of the traveler's excuse. On average, the TSA reports finding two guns per day. In addition to potentially missing the flight, passengers could have their gun confiscated and/or face criminal charges. A fine from TSA is also possible. Firearms meeting all airline requirements can be transported in checked bags. Shaving razors For anyone who plans to take a razor with him or her on a flight, pack it in the checked luggage, rather than in the carry-on bag. Since the razor blades can so easily be removed from the old-fashioned razors, they are not allowed in carry-on bags, but the disposable razors are. Number of carry-on bags Browsing Air-Tran's website, travelers will learn they will be restricted to one carry-on item and one personal item. Checked baggage The number of bags each traveler is allowed to check varies from one airline to the next. The TSA recommends the traveler contact the airline directly to find out sizes and quantity of allowed bags and how much of a fee will be charged for each. Sharp objects Knives or sharp objects will not be allowed in carry-on baggage or past the security checkpoint. Any sharp items a traveler may need in their travels should be packed in their checked baggage. Customers dependent upon syringe-injected medications may carry on such items. Identification The TSA encourages each adult traveler to keep his or her airline-boarding pass and government-issued photo identification available until exiting the security checkpoint (children are not required to show identification). If a traveler does not have identification (lost, stolen, etc.), he or she will be required to provide the officer with some information to help verify their identity. This will slow down the screening process and will result in additional screening. Air travel issues to consider: • Prohibited food items • Oversized electronics • Liquids • Metal detectors • Firearms • Shaving razors • Number of carry-on bags • Checked baggage • Sharp objects • Identification • Head coverings • Shoes Why liquids are limited On Aug. 10, 2006, the FBI worked closely with other U.S. intelligence agencies and close partners in the U.K. to disrupt a plot to blow up several airliners flying from the U.K. to the U.S. Those responsible disguised chemicals as everyday consumer items, according to the TSA. This led to an immediate ban on all liquids on Aug. 10, 2006 because of the threat that was uncovered. Liquid, aerosol and gel items that should be put in a checked bag, shipped ahead, or left at home. • Cranberry sauce • Cologne • Creamy dips and spreads • Gift baskets with food items • Gravy • Jams • Jellies • Lotions • Maple syrup • Oils and vinegars • Perfume • Salad dressing • Salsa • Sauces • Snow globes • Soups • Wine, liquor and beer • Passengers can bring pies and cakes through the security checkpoint, but the items are subject to additional screening. Head Coverings Travelers are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process. Passengers may be directed to additional screening if their headwear or clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items. Shoes Travelers are required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector at all U.S. airports and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection. This allows officers to see if the shoes have been tampered with in any way. Getting information quickly To help travelers get the information they might need quickly and easily, the TSA has launched the MyTSA mobile web app and iPhone app to put the information you need right at your fingertips. To get the iPhone app, download MyTSA on iTunes free, or look for it on the USA.gov Apps gallery. Travelers can find MyTSA on their smart phone at www.tsa.gov/mobile. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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