This information is reprinted from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) blog at...
http://blog.tsa.gov/2012/11/tsa-2012-holiday-travel-tips-news.html
The TSA blog has up-to-date information on all of the new security measures for air travelers.
TSA has implemented TSA PreCheck™, an expedited prescreening initiative for known travelers, active duty service members and airline crewmembers at select airports, and modified procedures for screening passengers 12 and under and 75 and older to reduce, although not eliminate, the need for a pat-down. TSA PreCheck™ is currently available in 32 airports and will be in 35 airports by the end of the year.
The Contact Center hours were recently extended and a representative is now available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Eastern time; weekends and federal holidays, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern time. The TCC can be reached at 866-289-9673. Passengers can also reach out to the TSA Contact Center (TCC) with questions about TSA procedures, upcoming travel or to provide feedback or voice concerns. Unfortunately, we can’t assist with questions related to preparing a turkey or any other delicious holiday staples.
Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free 855-787-2227, 72 hours prior to traveling with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. A TSA Cares helpline representative is available during all TSA Contact Center hours.
Want TSA information anywhere, anytime? Use the MyTSA app. Among the great features, there’s a “Can I Bring My…” tool. Want to know if you can pack a turducken or a light saber? This is the tool for you. Type in the name of the item you’re curious about and it tells you if the item is permitted or not, along with packing tips. This isn’t a Magic 8 Ball, so please don’t expect it to prophetically answer yes and no questions. A wait time feature is also available. It relies on crowd sourcing, which means the more people who use it, the better.
To further enhance explosive detection screening, TSA is expanding its use of canine teams and deploying them throughout the airport environment, including the security checkpoint. These teams are trained to detect trace amounts of explosives that are present in the air.
Wrapped gifts are allowed, but we recommend waiting until you land. If there’s something in the gift that needs to be inspected, we may have to open it. Our officers try their best not to mangle the gift wrap, but it’s not a guarantee and it also slows down the line for everybody else when we have to do this. We’d rather unwrap the gifts that are under our trees.
If you’re checking a bag, make things simple by packing liquids in your checked luggage. That way, you don’t have to worry about the 3-1-1 liquids rules. (If you’re concerned about them leaking, do what I do and put them in a zip-top bag.) But I know that doesn’t work for everyone if you’re only bringing a carry-on bag. If you have to take liquids in your carry-on, please continue reading… 3-1-1 is a quick way to remember how our liquids policy works. You can read here for more details, but here is the gist: each passenger is allowed to take as many 3.4 ounce or less sized containers that will fit in one sealed clear quart-sized zip-top bag – and one bag per person. Make sure you take the zip-top bag out of your carry-on prior to sending it through the X-ray.
Seriously!!! It sounds silly, but if you read our Week in Review posts, you’ll see that our officers find guns every day at checkpoints in the U.S.A good percentage of those are loaded. Save yourself the hassle of a bag check, a police interview and a potential arrest by making sure you leave your gun at home.
A very small percentage of passengers receive pat-downs. To reduce the need for a pat-down, the most important thing you can do is take everything out of your pockets before screening. You can put these items in your carry-on bag. Don't wear clothes with a high metal content, and put heavy jewelry on after you go through security. You will also receive a pat-down if you choose to opt out of our Advanced Imaging Technology (Body Scanners). Check out this post to read some myths and facts about the pat-down. If you have a hidden medical device (insulin pump, ostomy bag, brace, etc.), please let the officer know.
You can get more info from our blog post on this subject where the pictures will answer all of your questions.
If you have lost or forgotten your ID, you will still be permitted to fly as long as you help us verify you are who you say you are by answering a few questions.
for travel tips, blog post announcements, and other useful information. You can find a list of our national and regional twitter accounts here. Also, be sure to print out this handy travel checklist prior to packing.
Travelers Website: www.cdc.gov
Health information for specific destinations. What to know before you go. What medicines and vaccinations are recommended and information on travel health warnings and precautions.
Our website has links to several government and private website's. Once you leave the Cherry Capital Airport website, you are subject to the disclaimers, and security and privacy policies of the new website you are viewing.
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