Don’t Trip Out… Before Your Trip!

Holiday air travel can be stressful, especially if your mind is on getting to your destination.

Before you head off into the wild blue yonder, here are some tips to keep your feet well-grounded, while reaching for the sky!

According to the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), below is a condensed list of holiday travel tips that will help make your life and air travel during this holiday season much easier.
Group Meetings



If
you are not traveling alone and are accompanied by family, small
children, friends, or traveling companions with physical or medical
disabilities, plan a travel meeting. This is a good time to assess the
needs of these traveling companions far in advance.


Come Early, Be Prepared to Wait, and Be Patient!


With the heavy
travel volumes this time of the year, the enhanced security process may
mean longer lines at security checkpoints. Some estimated waiting times
are approximately 45 minutes or longer depending on flight schedules
and times.


Use this waiting
time wisely to check your belongings for items that you may normally
have, and items that may not be permitted in-flight. Make sure that
your travel companions are in compliance with all TSA rules that will
affect your air travel. Keep in mind that during these peak travel
times, some airlines will allow only one piece of luggage to avoid
unnecessary airport delays, security hold-ups, and yes – missed flights.


Coats and Jackets Off, Please!


TSA’s checkpoint
protocols require all passengers to remove outer coats and jackets for
X-ray before proceeding through the metal detectors. That includes suit
and sport coats, athletic warm-up jackets, blazers, and also children’s
outerwear. If a jacket or blazer is being worn as the innermost
garment, it does not have to come off.


Leave Your Guns and Knives at Home, Bill!


Or make sure
that all firearms and ammunition are declared to airline ticket agents
and properly stored in checked baggage. Since TSA took over airport
security in 2002, screeners have intercepted more than 3,000 firearms.
In addition to firearms, ammunition is now being intercepted more than
2,000 times each month.


What’s in That Carry-On, Madame/Sir?


Since September
26, TSA adjusted the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols. You are now
allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (three ounces or less) in a
one-quart sized, clear plastic, sealable bag through security
checkpoints.


Air travelers
are also allowed to carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on
bag when going through security checkpoints. If you need larger amounts
of items such as toothpaste or shampoo, please place them in your
luggage and check them with your airline.


The TSA has also
taken steps to secure the boarding areas after you pass through the
security checkpoints. Any liquid item such as coffee or soda purchased
in an area after you process through a security checkpoint is allowed
aboard your plane. You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and
personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm, and similar solids.


TSA officials
ask for your cooperation in the screening process by being prepared
before you arrive. They also ask that you follow the guidelines and try
not to over-think these guidelines.


Please pack
liquids, gels, and aerosols in your checked baggage even if you do not
normally check a bag. In addition to the liquids, gels, and aerosols,
numerous other potentially dangerous items are not permitted in
carry-on baggage.


It is strongly
encouraged that travelers should read more about previously prohibited
items to avoid complications during screening.


Talk to Your Kids


Before you
arrive at the airport, have a serious talk with your children about
airport security and the things that may happen at the checkpoints.
Younger children will need to temporarily part with such things as
blankets and stuffed animals while older children need to know that any
comment suggesting a threat to an aircraft or its passengers, or
security officers is taken seriously by TSA security and will not be
tolerated.


Do Not Wrap Gifts


Wrap gifts when
you reach your destination. If a wrapped gift sets off an alarm, TSA
security officers will need to unwrap the gift to check it out. A good
rule of thumb is to ship your gifts to your destination in advance of
your travel to avoid unpleasant encounters with airport security.


Good Travel Ideas Anytime


•    To minimize
the risk of damage or loss, don’t pack fragile or valuable items in
checked baggage. Take them with you in carry-on baggage, or ship them
to your destination instead.

•    Put
undeveloped film in carry-on baggage because equipment used to screen
checked baggage will damage film. Also, high-speed and specialty film
should not be put through X-ray machines, so passengers may ask
security officers at the checkpoint to physically inspect film.

•    Remember to put identification tags in and on all baggage including laptops.

•    Everyone,
even frequent fliers, should double check the contents of their pockets
and bags, particularly carry-on luggage, to ensure no prohibited items
were inadvertently packed.


Don’t Over Pack Bags


If security
officers have to open them, closing overstuffed bags can be difficult
and may result in that checked bag being delayed until a later flight.


Do Not Lock Bags


If TSA security
officers need to open a locked bag for inspection, they may have to
break the lock. If you choose to lock your bag, use a TSA approved
lock, which has a locking system that enables security officers to open
and relock the bag.


A printable version of the prohibited items listing is available on-line. Go to www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel for more information.