Five-Minute Stress Relief.com

Air Travel – Security Guidelines

The government has extensive rules for air travelers. For complete information, go to www.tsa.dhs.gov. On September 26, 2006, TSA adjusted the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols. Here are some excerpts regarding frequently asked questions:

Rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols carried through security checkpoints:

3-1-1 for carry-on's = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

Ensure all of your liquids or gels are in 3 ounce or smaller containers

(More than 3 ounces permitted in checked baggage)

Place those containers in a 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag

Place 1 bag only per traveler in the security bin for screening

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

Exceptions for baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels

• Baby formula, breast milk, and juice

• All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes

• Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition

• Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs

• Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids

• Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are allowed reasonable amounts over 3 ounces of the items above in your carry-on baggage, but you will need to perform the following:

1. Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.

2. Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.

Exceptions: baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels – continued

3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.

Any liquid, gel or aerosol, such as coffee or soda, purchased in the secure area beyond the security checkpoint is allowed aboard your plane. Please note that if you have a layover and are re-screened at your connecting airport the current rules (see above) for carry-on's apply.

You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids.

We ask for your cooperation in the screening process by being prepared before you arrive. We also ask that you follow the guidelines above 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.

Electronic Devices Allowed

Laptop Computers                Mobile Phones             Pagers             Personal Data Assistants (PDA's)

Camcorders - Camera Equipment - the checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film in camera equipment. We recommend that you either put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask the screener to conduct a hand-inspection.

These items should be removed from their cases, placed in a bin and sent through the x-ray machine.

Note: Check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions on the use of these and other electronic items during your flight.

This security regimen applies to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non-U.S. airports.

A printable list of prohibited items is available: Prohibited Items List (PDF 164 KB)

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/Prohibited and Permitted Items_printerfriendly_3-16-07.pdf

Additional Tips

• Leave pills in their original bottle with your name on it (required by security rules). If you need help in complying, visit your pharmacy for their assistance.

• Minimize disorganized mess in your carry-on to speed up security screening.

• If you’re not feeling well, let the screeners know to facilitate your screening.

• If you wear contacts, take your glasses. Contact lens solution is a gray area – put it in the checked luggage.

• No hand-cleaning gel in carry-on bag.

• No cigarette lighters.

• Place keys, jewelry and any metal objects in the bins to be screened.

Source: www.tsa.dhs.gov; http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm
http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

Print PDF Page for: Air Travel – Security Guidelines