Vacations - Safe Air Travel
"Good afternoon sir. How are you today? I need to see your
boarding pass and ID please. Please remove your outermost
garment. You'll need to take your laptop out of the case and
place it separately in the bin. Sir, I would recommend removal
of your shoes. They look like they will set off the metal
detector. Yes, I would also recommend removing your belt, as
well. Do you have any other metal or foil in your pockets, sir?
Keys, cell phone, money clip, coins, gum wrappers, cold
medicine, batteries, lottery tickets, cigarettes? Sir, I'll need
you to place your newspaper and bagel in the bin please. No, I'm
sorry cigarette lighters and Swiss army knives are prohibited
items. You will not be allowed to bring those on the aircraft.
You may voluntarily relinquish these items; you may return them
to your vehicle; give them to a non-traveling companion or mail
them home to yourself. Thank you, have a great flight, please
step through the metal detector now."
If you've flown the friendly skies since 9/11, you'll notice
some major changes at the airport checkpoints. At times you'd
think you were stepping into a third world country with the
dozen or more federal security screeners herding you through the
process of merely getting to the gate prior to boarding the
aircraft. Due to heightened security, new safety measures were
implemented November 19, 2001. These measures should not be
looked upon as invasive or time consuming, but rather offer
peace of mind knowing all others on the aircraft are screened in
the thorough manner.
Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the
security checkpoint. Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to
the airport. Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop
computers in carry-on baggage only. Tape your business card to
the bottom of your laptop. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and
accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the
alarm on the metal detector. Avoid wearing shoes that contain
metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will
require additional screening even if the metal detector does not
alarm. Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your
carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will
damage undeveloped film. Checkpoint x-ray will not damage any
undeveloped film under 800 speeds. Declare firearms & ammunition
to your airline and place them in your checked baggage. If you
wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock. Do not
bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport. Do not pack
wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint.
Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA
may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.
Most importantly arrive at least 60-90 minutes prior to the
departure of your flight to allow adequate time to check in and
to be screened. The screening process cannot be expedited. The
employees will do a thorough, consistent job regardless if your
flight leaves in an hour or in 3 minutes.
Following these simple tips will ensure a safe, peaceful flight.
Further information can be found at the tsa.gov website.