Traveler / Airport Security Update

This topic is one of frequent confusion due to many factors including the on again off again Registered Traveler Program, different security companies, weather delays and possible impacts. At least today travelers have some ideas of what to expect such as the need to empty pockets & take off your shoes. Generally travelers are allowing more time to get through security and we have all made accommodations in how we travel. Believe it or not, getting through airport security has improved and we do have resources available.

Here is an update on the current state of security directly from the TSA, Travel Security Administration’s, website. We have addressed many questions including what to expect & how to plan. Other resources are listed to help minimize the impact and potential delays of airport security. As conditions can and will change, it is always a good idea to check the TSA site for updates especially if you are traveling with unusual items, excess baggage or some other condition(s) out of your norm.

The following tips may reduce your wait time at airport security checkpoints.

BEFORE THE AIRPORT

• Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport. Read the Permitted and Prohibited Items list.
• Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.
• Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
• Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
• Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
• If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock.
• Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport.
• Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.
• Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
  • Mobile phones
  • Keys
  • Loose change
  • Money clips
  • PDA's (personal data assistants)
  • Large amounts of jewelry
  • Metal hair decorations
  • Large belt buckles

AT THE AIRPORT

Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display your boarding pass more than once.

Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.

Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers.

DRESS THE PART

Be aware that any metal detected at the checkpoint must be identified. If you set off the alarm, you will be required to undergo additional screening, including a hand-wanding and a pat-down inspection that includes the torso.

TSA SHOE SCREENING POLICY

You are not required to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector.

HOWEVER, TSA screeners may encourage you to remove them before entering the metal detector as many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector DOES NOT alarm.

Screeners will encourage you to remove the following footwear that is likely to require additional screening:

• Boots
• Platform shoes (including platform flip-flops)
• Footwear with a thick sole or heel (including athletic shoes)
• Footwear containing metal (including many dress shoes)
• Footwear that screeners are less likely to suggest you remove includes:
  • "Beach" flip-flops
  • Thin-soled sandals (without metal)

OTHER TIPS:

Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal when traveling through the security checkpoints:

• Heavy Jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties)
• Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
• Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
• Belt buckles
• Under-wire bras

Hidden items such as body piercings may result in your being directed to additional screening for a pat-down inspection. If selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.

Take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets. Many people have found it quicker & helpful to carry a plastic bag & place these items in it, before getting to the airport or security check points.

Pack all your coats and jackets in your baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. These include, but are not limited to, trench coats, heavy winter coats, suit jackets, sport coats and blazers. If you choose to wear an outer coat or jacket to the checkpoint, you will need to either place it in your carry-on or put it in the bin that is provided for you.

You may have noticed that people are randomly selected for more scrutiny & closer searches. If this happens to you, here are some guidelines of what to expect & how you may seek some recourse if you feel a situation is handled poorly.

PAT-DOWNS AND SCREENINGS MUST BE CARRIED OUT APPROPRIATELY

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continually reviews screening procedures to ensure measures are targeted to the greatest potential threats.

On December 22, 2005 TSA refined passenger screening procedures to strengthen our ability to detect explosives at the security checkpoints. Along with changes to prohibited items and an increase in random screenings, the pat-down search was expanded to include arms and legs in addition to the search of the upper torso.

Currently, transportation security officers (TSOs) use the front of the hand to screen a passenger’s entire back and abdomen, the arms from shoulder to wrist and legs from mid-thigh to ankle. Throughout the process, officers will communicate with the passenger and explain the process prior to conducting the search. Security officers of the same gender conduct pat-downs whenever possible and private screenings are available at the passenger’s request. Patting down the chest area may be conducted if there is an alarm from a hand-held metal detector or an irregularity in the person's clothing outline.

Security officers conduct the inspections in a professional, respectful manner, while maintaining the highest security standards. Below is a summary of these new screening initiatives:

To better allow TSA to identify explosives, the agency implemented new passenger screening procedures that, in addition to expanded use of pat-down searches, include more random screenings of passengers and their belongings.

These changes ensure that TSA is focusing its resources on the most serious threats and are in line with recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and the Department of Homeland Security’s Second Stage Review.

Additional screening, including pat-down searches, may be required of passengers based on visual observations by screeners, even if an audible alarm has not gone off.

Security officers communicate their actions to the passenger prior to conducting the inspection.

Security officers use the back of the hand when screening sensitive areas.

For non-sensitive areas of the upper torso, the legs from mid-thigh down to the ankle and the entire arm from shoulder to wrist, security officers use the front of the hand.

Passengers may request private screening when a pat-down is required.

Security officers of the same gender as the passenger will conduct additional screening whenever possible. At some smaller airports, it is possible that a security officer of the same gender may not be available. In these rare instances, screeners are provided with supplemental procedures to ensure passengers are screened in an appropriate manner.

If you have concerns about a “pat-down” and wish to address them, please click thru the link below for the most appropriate method(s) given your concerns & situation.

Procedures to address concerns - http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1683.xml - Helpful information on wait times at security checkpoints.

Prohibited Items - http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1012.xml - You could be surprised at which items are prohibited - or allowed - on-board an aircraft.

Transporting Special Items - http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1169.xml - Helpful information that explains the security screening procedures that apply to special items.

Traveling with Children - http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1020.xml What you need to consider when traveling with children.

Special Considerations - http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1023.xml - Covers numerous topics including film, pets, religious/cultural needs and sporting equipment.

Persons with Disabilities & Medical Conditions - http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1055.xml - This area is extensive. After partnering with key groups, TSA has trained its screener work force appropriately.

Security Awareness - http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1027.xml - Learn what to look for, what to do.

Frequently Asked Questions - http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1303.xml - Answers many of your aviation security and travel questions.

Thank you for your interest. If you would like to learn more about us, our services and how we can help manage your business travel, please contact:

Tad Scheele
Vice President Sales
847-749-4944
tscheele@hobsontravel.com