Know Before You Go!

By now, most business and leisure travelers have become somewhat accustomed to the heightened airport security and more thorough passenger screening procedures that went into effect after 9/11. We are allowing more time at the check-in counter where we receive a boarding pass and our luggage is tagged prior to carrying it to another check in point where it is x-rayed before it is loaded onto the aircraft.

Being familiar with the procedure for passenger screening will also expedite you through the process and help you arrive at your departure gate with minimum stress.

Individual airports may have slightly different procedures, but for the most part you should:

1. Have your boarding pass along with a government-issued photo identification card ready to show the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) official as you enter the screening line.
2. Be ready to remove your shoes and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.
3. Remove lap top computers from carrying cases and place them in a bin by themselves.
4. Remove jackets, hats, cell phones, and all other electronic equipment (Blackberries, iPods, etc) and place them also in a bin.
5. Slide all your belongings onto the conveyor belt that will carry them through the x-ray screening.
6. Proceed through the metal detector when told to do so by the TSA representative and be prepared to again show your boarding pass and photo ID.
7. Remember to collect all your items before proceeding to your departure gate

On January 26, 2006 the Transportation Safety Administration adjusted its ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols that passengers are allowed to carry aboard aircraft. According to the new TSA guidelines, passengers may now carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags when going through airport security checkpoints.

The following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols carried through security checkpoints:

1. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in three (3) ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full of toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
2. All liquids, gels, aerosols must be placed in a single, quart size, zip top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip top such as fold over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one quart size, zip top, clear plastic bag.
3. Each traveler must remove their quart size plastic zip tob bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for x-ray screening.

There are exceptions for baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols including prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

TSA guidelines stipulate that these rules were developed after extensive research and understanding of current threats. The rules are intended to help air travelers bring essential toiletries and other liquids, gels, and aerosols for short trips. Larger amounts of liquids, gels, or aerosols such as toothpaste or shampoo should be placed in luggage and checked with the airlines.

Any liquid, gel, or aerosol, such as coffee, soda, or water purchased in a secure area beyond security checkpoints is allowed onboard the aircraft.

It’s a good idea to check the TSA website at www.TSA.gov for the latest updates on these regulations. The site also has information for travelers with special needs and those traveling with babies or small children.