To insure passenger safety,
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed strict security
procedures at our nation’s airport. Here are some tips to help you comply
with the new regulations.
CHECKING IN
» Arrive at the airport at least two hours before
flight time. You may encounter long lines at check-in counters and airport
screening stations.
» Curbside baggage check is
being reinstated on an airline-by-airline and airport-by-airport basis.
Check with the airport to see if your airline has been approved for curbside
checks. Otherwise, proceed directly to the check-in counters.
» If you are traveling with a
tour group or cruise group, you will no longer be allowed to check in for
flights at hotels or at the cruise terminals. You must check in at the
airport.
» If someone is dropping you
off at the airport, they must stay with the vehicle at all times. They
should not leave it unattended, even for a moment.
» You must have a picture I.D.
such as a driver’s license, passport, or government-issued identification.
Insure that you make your reservation in the exact name that appears on the
identification you plan on presenting at the airport. If your name has
recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different,
bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court
order). If traveling with an e-ticket, you must produce a copy of your e-ticket
receipt when you check-in.
» The FAA also requires all
non-U.S. citizens boarding international flights in the United States to
show evidence of admission into the United States. Evidence of admission can
consist of visas, I-94, parole letter, admission stamp, alien resident card,
etc.
GETTING TO THE GATE
To enter the secured area beyond the security
screening checkpoint, you must show a valid picture I.D. and one of the
following boarding documents indicating a flight departure for the current
date:
1) A receipt for an
electronic ticket;
2) An itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency confirming an
electronic ticket;
3) A boarding pass; or
4) A paper ticket.
The FAA says receipts and
itineraries MUST have ticket numbers on them.
If you do not have a boarding
pass, ticket, e-ticket receipt or printed confirmation, an airline-issued
boarding document must be obtained at the ticket counter prior to clearing
security.
E-ticketed passengers with no
receipt, agency or airline-issued itinerary must first go to the airport
ticket counter to obtain a boarding pass. More information can be found on
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Web site at
www.faa.gov/apa/faq/pr_faq.htm.
Passengers who do not have
baggage to check and already have an approved boarding document, as outlined
above, may proceed through the security checkpoint directly to the departure
gate. Although no curbside or skycap check-in is permitted, wheelchair
assistance from curbside will continue to be provided.
Provisions will be made for
parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled persons and
persons with special needs who need to be accompanied by healthcare
assistants or guardians and for medical personnel who need to respond to a
medial emergency beyond the check point.
All passengers should check
with their airline or airport, or visit the airline or airport web site for
additional information.
» Keep your identification
handy, as you may be asked after entering the gate area to produce it for
airport or airline personnel.
TSA's (TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION) 3-1-1 TIPS
» TSA’s 3-1-1 for carry-ons means:
▪ Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers three ounces or less
▪ Items must be put in a one quart, clear plastic zip-top bag
▪ Only one zip-top bag per passenger
» 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.
TSA working with our
partners.
TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready
for the traveling public.
LUGGAGE
» Keep your luggage and carry-on bags with you at all
times prior to arriving at the airport and while in the terminal. Unattended
bags will likely be confiscated – and even destroyed – by airport security.
» The FAA has recommended that
passengers be allowed one carry-on bag and either a purse or briefcase.
Airlines have the option of following the FAA's recommendation. Check with
your travel agent or airline for information on carry-on luggage
restrictions. Since you will likely encounter longer waits and more thorough
inspections at screening stations, ASTA recommends that you minimize your
carry-on items so you can be processed more quickly.
» Do not accept any packages
or materials from strangers.
» Do not carry any sharp
instruments (i.e., letter openers, knives, box cutters, scissors, etc,) in
carry on luggage. They will be confiscated at airport screening stations.
» If you see any suspicious
activity or see unattended bags, contact airline or airport personnel
immediately.
» Carry medications in your
carry-on bags. |
