As we near the fall travel season for students, faculty, and staff, this is a friendly reminder to consider the importance of starting travel on a positive note by advanced preparation. In recent years, as security practices have changed, wait times have increased at airport screening points as more items receive additional scrutiny. Understanding screening requirements and making preparations can speed up the process and reduce traveler stress—ultimately making your travel experience more enjoyable. Below is information and resources that can make navigating security checkpoints at airports easier.
As per a July 26, 2017 press release, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that they are implementing new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items. Travelers will now be required “to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening.” Following the procedure used for laptops, these items should have nothing on top or below it in the bin. TSA is also encouraging travelers to “organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving. There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.”
In a June 23, 2017 press release, TSA provided helpful tips related to what can be carried through security and how to dress and pack, noting that “passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide.” A few ideas from the TSA:
- “Get TSA live assistance by tweeting questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends/holidays from 9a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also reach the Contact Center at 866-289-9673.”
- “Put large liquids, gels, creams and aerosols, into checked bags such as shampoo, conditioner, suntan lotion, shaving cream and antiperspirant. If you’ve only got a carry-on bag, make sure all of your liquids follow the 3-1-1 rule.”
- “Consider minimizing items that you wear to the airport such as bulky jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, large belts and other bulky items as these articles are likely to require additional screening.”
More information on the 3-1-1 liquids rule can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule.
The TSA Travel Checklist can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/travel-checklist.
General travel tips can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips.
Finally, you can also visit the TSA Customer Service page at https://www.tsa.gov/contact/customer-service.