Bagging it: travel tips for new airline security restrictions, procedures

Spokesman Magazine, Dec, 2006 by Theresa Shannon

This holiday season will be the first time many people have traveled by air since the ban on liquids was instituted by the Transportation Security Administration in August. Travelers need to be aware of and prepared for these new restrictions and security procedures to ease the help stress of holiday travel.

The secret to getting through security smoothly, according to the TSA is arrive early and to be prepared upon approaching the security checkpoints.

Passengers should arrive to the airports at least two hours prior to their take off times and should have their travel documents--tickets, boarding passes and picture identification out and ready for inspection.

All carry-on luggage should not be over-packed, this allows transportation security officers to get a clear, x-ray image.

When possible keep liquids in checked baggage. If passengers do need to take liquids in carry-on bags, take only what they need. The TSA has instituted the 3-1-1 policy, where passengers may bring liquids, gels and aerosols in 3 ounce or smaller containers. The items must be place in one quart-size, clear, zip-top plastic bag and only one quart bag per passenger. Each passenger must remove their plastic bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin on the conveyor belt to be x-rayed. Passengers may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including eye drops and saline solution for medical purposes.

Baby formula and breast milk are allowed in carry-on baggage, but must also be declared. Passengers can take these items through the security check-points and aboard the plane as long as they are traveling with a baby or toddler. All items will be inspected.

Passengers are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. But if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, they must be declared to security officers at the checkpoint for further inspection. For more specific information see the TSA Web site at www.tsa.gov.

Certain clothing and accessories can set off metal detectors and slow the screening process, according to TSA. Passengers should avoid wearing any clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal such as, heavy jewelry, clothing with metal buttons or snaps, belt buckles or under-wire bras. Passengers who set off the alarm will undergo additional screening, which includes hand-wand and pat-down inspection. TSA checkpoint protocols require all passengers to remove their shoes and coats or jackets for x-ray, before entering the metal detector. This includes all types of footwear and sports coats, athletic warm-up jackets and blazers. Wearing slip-on type shoes will help speed up this process. All metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants should be taken out of pockets and put into carry-on baggage. Also laptop computers should be put in a bin, and opened.

Do not wrap gifts, especially if they are in the carry-on bags, as they could be subject to inspection.

Do not lock bags. If TSA personnel must inspect a locked bag, the lock with be cut. There are TSA accepted locks that can be purchased in travel stores.

All lighters are prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. For those folks who are not flying, but instead driving to get to their holiday destination there are several safety tips to keep their stress level low as well.

Christmas and New Year's Day fall on Mondays, so the heaviest traffic will probably be on the Friday before and Tuesday after each holiday, with many people taking advantage of a long weekend. Try to travel on the Wednesday or Thursday prior or even Christmas Day advises the Independent Travel Web site.

Drivers should make sure their vehicle is in good shape to drive. Check the oil, tire pressure and coolant. Make sure the spare is in good shape. Before hitting the road check on road conditions and weather. Drivers can check www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm for traffic information and links to other traffic sites. Good things to have in the car are a charged cell phone, water, emergency kit and jumper cables.

Be rested before leaving, take regular breaks and allow plenty of time for the drive. Driver fatigue is one of the nation's leading safety threats according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Almost 100,000 accidents are attributed to driver fatigue.

Allowing enough time and following a few tips could save travelers a lot of frustration this holiday season.

By Master Sgt. Theresa Shannon

Air Intelligence Agency Public Affairs