BMCC 2008 Switzerland Blog

Tips to Ease You Through Today’s Airport Security.

 New security procedures have been put into place and while the federal government is enacting a uniform security policy for airline travel, not all airports are yet standardized.
Simply, the systems in place at one airport will not necessarily be in place at another.
A good rule is to plan ahead and prepare for the strictest security policies. Common sense and wise planning are the keys to a successful trip.
 
What to Know Before You Go.
Here are a few notes and tips to keep in mind.

Acceptable Check-in Identity.

• TTA 100. MUST HAVE PASSPORT/GREEN CARD
• Adults are required to have at least one current government issued photo ID – such as passports, driver’s licenses, military ID’s, etc. Expired identification will be rejected. Children traveling alone should also have photo identification.
• Only passengers with valid tickets will be allowed beyond screener checkpoints. Persons who are attending to child passengers and travelers needing a medical assistant will be permitted into secure gate areas.
• Ticketless passengers (E-tickets) will need proper documentation from air carriers (i.e. acknowledgment of reservation).

Guidelines for Passing Carry-on Security Screening.

We have been warned in the past never to joke about terrorist activities, bombs, or anything even remotely related. In today’s environment it is especially important not to act suspiciously. It never ceases to amaze me how often someone steps over the line and finds how serious others are taking the situation.

• Remember screening lines will be longer during peak travel time and Holidays.
• Prepare for security screening, not just your carry-on items but your check-in luggage and your person as well.
• Be ready to answer any questions and do not accept items from strangers. Keep your luggage and personal belongings with you at all time.
• Slip keys, coins, pens, etc. in your carry-on for X-ray, you will pass through metal detectors without incident. Any metal item (buttons, zippers, hair accessories, and prosthetics) can set off sensitive detectors. Minimize screening time by reducing the number of metal items on your person.
• Carry proper identity to indicate any medical metal implants.
• Shoes with metal shanks can trigger alarms. You may be asked to remove your shoes.

Be prepared to open and activate carry-on electronic items such as: laptops, cameras, cell phones, etc.
Some airports are equipped with “sniffer” scanners. These devices check for chemical and compound resides.
Avoid further delay by waiting to lock carry-on luggage until you’ve passed through screening areas. Any wrapped packages may be searched, so wait to wrap any gifts or, if possible, pack such items in check-in luggage.
 
Avoid additional scrutiny by not carrying prohibited items.
If in doubt – Leave it out.

Warning: Civil penalties of up to $1,100 per violation in addition to criminal penalties are being enforced to those passengers who knowingly attempt to carry banned items.

1. Knives of any length.
2. All cutting and puncturing items including corkscrews.
3. Flammable liquids and containers under pressure such as aerosols. Permitted are personal care items – perfumes, deodorants, etc. however, containers may not exceed 16 fluid ounces.
4. Matches and lighters may only be carried on your person. “Strike-anywhere” matches and lighters with flammable liquid reservoirs are forbidden (such as disposable lighters).
5. Toy weapons. Sports equipment (golf clubs, bats, pool cues, etc. must be checked), power tools.
6. Any item that may be consider dangerous or used as a weapon may be prohibited regardless of its original intended use.

• Visit the Transportation Security Administration for website a complete list of the latest allowable and prohibited items.

Recently a woman at security checkpoint was detained for carrying a hair pick with 4-inch long needle-like prongs. While her use of the item was personal and she meant no harm to anyone, she made matters worse for herself by arguing with security personal when they confiscated the item. .

• Use transparent bags for packing all your clothing, including: underwear, toiletries, dirty laundry, etc. Your contents can be seen easily and will avoid hand searching through personal items. .

Tips for Checking Luggage.

Check your bags.

• Have your luggage checked through to your final destination to avoid security screening between connecting flights.
• Curbside luggage check-in is available through some airlines at some airports. Verify with your departure and arrival airports for their current procedures. This may change during the duration of your trip (there may be a charge for this service)
• Be prepared to identify your checked luggage and have identity luggage tags affixed to each bag.
• Some airports are now equipped to X-ray check-in luggage. Avoid packing any suspicious items which will trigger further scrutiny and cause delay.
• Leave your check-in bags unlocked for random hand searches preformed at security check points.  

Carry-On Food and Food Services Advice.

Consider packing snack(s) or, depending on the length of your flight itinerary –  more. Airlines are cutting back on everything.
In some airports to reach full service food malls will require leaving secure gate areas. Getting back will require going through security checkpoints, long lines and possibility of missed connections.

• Be prepared to open food containers
• Avoid any powdery products such as coffee creamers, artificial sugars, and even baby formula unless properly packaged, such products may be confiscated.
• DO NOT CARRY ON ANY LIQUIDS – INCLUDING WATER
• All rules and practices regarding security, carry-ons, and other airline/airport practices are subject to change without notice. It is best to call your airline or check with the airport just before departure for the latest updates.
• Regardless of what happens, please be patient, take a deep breath, and recognize that airline and airport employees are just as frustrated as you are. Remember these extra measurers of security are imposed for your benefit and safety as a traveler.