Article Provided Courtesy of the U.S. FAA

Prepare For Takeoff

There are preparations you can make before you arrive at the airport to help you move more quickly and efficiently through the new security processes. Here you will find suggestions on what to wear to the airport and how to pack for your trip. We've also included a pre-flight checklist to help you Prepare for Takeoff.

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 a secondary screening, including a hand-wanding and a pat-down inspection.

You can remove metal items at the security checkpoint and place them in the bins provided. The bins will be sent through the X-ray machine. You can save time, however, by not wearing metal items or by placing such items in your carry-on baggage before you get in line.

TIP: Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, or other accessories that contain metal when traveling:
• Jewelry (pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyard or bolo tie)
• Shoes with steel tips, heels, shanks, buckles or nails
• Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
• Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
• Belt buckles
• Under-wire brassieres
Hidden items such as body piercings may result in a pat-down inspection. You may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.
TIP: Avoid placing metal items in your pockets.
• Keys, loose change, lighters
• Mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)
TIP: Instead, place jewelry and other metal items in your carry-on baggage until you clear security.
TIP: Pack your outer coat or jacket in your baggage when possible.
Outer coats including trench coats, ski jackets, leather jackets, overcoats and parkas must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. If you choose to wear an outer coat 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 will not need to remove suit jackets or blazers unless requested by the screener.

Pack Smart
Carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage you take onboard the airplane with you. You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case.

• TSA will screen any "Carry-on" baggage that will fit through the x-ray machine, however, it is up to each individual air carrier as to whether the baggage fits the size restrictions for your flight. Please check with the air carrier prior to proceeding through the security checkpoints.
• LABEL your laptop computer. Tape a business card or other identifying information beneath your laptop to avoid loss or the accidental "exchange" by travelers.

Checked Baggage is luggage you check in at the ticket counter or at curbside. It will not be accessible during your flight.

Below are a number of tips for packing your checked baggage that will help to speed your trip and ensure that your checked bag makes the flight with you:
• Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it.
• Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
• Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations.
• Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
• Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.
The following general packing tips apply to both carry-on and checked baggage and will help you to move through the screening process more quickly:
• Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. See permitted and prohibited items.
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than 5 times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.
• Check ahead of time with your airline or travel agent to determine the airline's baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and size and weight limitations.
• Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1.
• Don't forget to place identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well.
• Avoid overpacking so that your articles don't spill out if your bag is opened for inspection.
• Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on baggage. The screeners may have to open your bag and examine its contents.
• Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
• Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.

 

Final Checklist
Check with your airline or travel agent to determine how early to arrive at the airport. Recommended check-in times differ by airline and airport.

Check with your airport to confirm which parking lots are open if you will be parking at the airport. Some lots may be closed for security reasons. Be sure to allow extra time for parking and shuttle transportation.

Check to make sure you:
• Bring a boarding pass ticket or ticket confirmation such as a printed itinerary as well as a government-issued photo ID. Children under the age of 18 do not require an ID. At some airports only boarding passes will be accepted to enter the passenger checkpoint.
• Bring evidence verifying you have a medical implant or other device if it is likely to set off the alarm on the metal detector bring evidence verifying this condition. Although this is not a requirement it may help to expedite the screening process.
• Have removed prohibited items such as pocketknives metal scissors with pointed tips (metal or plastic scissors with blunt tips are permitted) and tools from your carry-on baggage. Double check the list of prohibited and permitted items to determine what can be placed in carry-on or checked baggage if you have any questions.
• Have reviewed TSA's guidance on unlocking checked baggage.
Have a safe trip and enjoy your flight!

Checked Baggage
As of January 1, 2003 TSA began screening 100% of checked baggage at all 429 commercial airports across the United States. You will encounter one of the processes described below at the airport. Please be aware that you will not be able to access your bags after they are screened no matter which process you encounter. Therefore, you should remove everything that you want to take on the plane with you before you hand over your checked bag for screening.

Checked Bag Screening Processes

• No change -- You check in at the ticket counter or with the skycaps as you have in the past. The new screening
  equipment will be out of your view and the screening of your checked baggage will occur behind the scenes.
• Ticket counter first -- You will still check-in at the ticket counter or with the skycap as you have in the past but you will next proceed to a new baggage screening area nearby. At most airports you will next take your checked bag to the checked baggage screening area where it will be screened there and afterwards delivered directly to your airline for loading. At some airports someone will take your checked baggage from you at the ticket counter and deliver it to the screening area. In a growing number of airports you will have the option to drop off your bags at the screening area and proceed directly to your gate without waiting for your bags to be screened.
• Baggage screening first -- You will go first to the checked baggage screening area in the airport lobby. After baggage screening the screener will direct you to the ticket counter and an authorized person will bring your bag from the screening area to the ticket counter for you to complete the check-in process.
• Please watch for signs and other instructions that will direct you to the correct line. Unless you see signs directing you otherwise go to the ticket counter to check-in with your airline.
• Several methods are being used to screen 100% of checked baggage. The most common methods that you will encounter involve electronic screening either by an Explosives Detection System (EDS) or Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) device.
• The EDS machines are the large machines that can be over 20 feet long and weigh up three tons. Your baggage will be loaded on a conveyor belt of the EDS machine by a screener for screening. If your bag requires further inspection it may be brought to an ETD machine.
• The ETD machine are much smaller machines and are the primary machine used in many airports. When your bag is screened with an ETD machine the screener will take a swab of your bag and then place the swab into the ETD machine for analysis.
• There are other methods that may be used at airports to ensure that 100% of all bags are screened. Regardless of which system is used all checked bags will be screened before they are loaded onto the plane.
• Unlocking Checked Bags -- TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bags unlocked. In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
• If TSA screeners open your bag during the screening procedure they will close it with a tamper evident seal and place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact that TSA screeners opened your bag for inspection.
• In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your bags as an alternative to locks. Until that time you may want to consider purchasing standard 'cable ties' which can be found at your local hardware store. The 4 to 5 inch variety cable ties generally work best since they are the easiest to remove at your destination and can be used to close almost every bag with zippers. If TSA needs to inspect your bag the screeners will cut off the seal and replace it with another seal.
• Missing Contents -- TSA screeners exercise great care during the screening process to ensure that your contents are returned to your bag every time a bag needs to be opened. TSA will assess on an individual basis any loss or damage claims made to TSA. You may call the TSA Contact Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 if you have questions.

Packing Tips

• Do not put film in your checked baggage. Some of the new checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
• Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
• Avoid over-packing your bag. This will make it easier for the screener to reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations and any fees that may apply
• Spread out books and documents within your baggage; do not stack them on top of each other.
• Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags. This will reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition
Subject to state local and airline restrictions, you may still transport a firearm and ammunition in your checked baggage provided it is declared to the aircraft operator (airline) at check in and that you comply with other applicable regulations. Please note that you should never unlock your bag if you are carrying a firearm and your bag serves as the locked hard-sided case for transporting your firearm.

Passenger Security Checkpoints
You must pass through this checkpoint to access your departure gate. Security screeners will screen you and your carry-on baggage. You should find this screening process familiar, although enhanced security measures are in place.
If you refuse to be screened at any point during the screening process, the screener must deny you entry beyond the screening area. You will not be able to fly.

The passenger checkpoint includes 3 primary steps you may want to become familiar with:

Step 1. The X-ray machine
At the passenger security checkpoint, you will place all carry-on baggage and any items you are carrying with you on the belt of the X-ray machine. You will need to lay all items flat.

NOTE: TSA will screen any 'Carry-on' baggage that will fit through the x-ray machine, however, it is up to each individual air carrier as to whether the baggage fits the size restrictions for your flight. Please check with the air carrier prior to proceeding through the security checkpoints.

Laptop computers must be removed from their carrying cases and placed in one of the bins provided. You will also need to remove your outer coat or jacket and place it in one of the bins. These items go through the X-ray machine.
"IN - OUT - OFF"
• Place all metal items IN your carry-on baggage before you reach the front of the line.
• Take your computer OUT of its carrying case and place it in one of the bins provided.
• Take OFF your outer coat or jacket so that it can go through the X-ray machine (you do not need to remove your suit jacket, sport coat, or blazer unless you are asked to do so by one of the passenger screeners.)

Step 2. Walk-through metal detector
You will next walk through a metal detector, (or you may request a pat-down inspection instead). Objects on your clothing or person containing metal may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
You will undergo a secondary screening if you set off the alarm on the metal detector, or if you are chosen for additional screening. (See below)

TIP: Pack all metal items, including the contents of your pockets, in your carry-on baggage. Mobile phones, pagers, keys, lighters, and loose change are examples of items containing metal.

Step 3. Secondary screening
Secondary screening occurs when an individual sets off the alarm on the metal detector, or if he or she is selected for additional screening. This screening includes a hand-wand inspection in conjunction with a pat-down inspection.

If you must go through a secondary screening, the screener will direct you from the metal detector to a screening station where he or she will brief you on the next steps.
• At this time, you should let the screener know of any personal needs you may have due to a religious or cultural consideration, disability, or other medical concern.
• Except in extraordinary circumstances, a screener of your gender will conduct your secondary screening. You may request that your search be conducted in private.
While you will be separated from your carry-on baggage during this process, every effort will be made to help you maintain visual contact with your carry-ons.

Hand-Wand Inspection
The hand-wand inspection helps the screener to identify what may have set off the alarm on the metal detector.
During the wanding procedure, you will be asked to stand with your feet apart and the screener will pass the wand over your entire body without actually touching you with the wand. Every effort will be taken to do this as discretely as possible.

Please take note of the following:
• Areas of the body that have body piercings, thick hair, hats, and other items may require a pat-down inspection.
• You may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.
• The screener may ask you to open your belt buckle as part of the process.
• The screener may ask you to remove your shoes, and your shoes may be X-rayed separately.
TIP: It is recommended (but not a requirement) that individuals with a pacemaker, or other device that is likely
to alarm the metal detector, bring identification verifying the condition. This may help to expedite the screening process.

Carry-On Baggage
If your bag is selected for secondary screening, it may be opened and examined on a table in your presence. Please DO NOT attempt to assist the screener during the search, and do not attempt to retrieve the item before the screener has advised you that the search is complete and your baggage is cleared.
Your baggage might also be inspected with an Explosive Trace Detection machine (ETD), which is separate from the X-ray machine.

Pat-Down Inspection
A pat-down inspection complements the hand-wand inspection. In order to ensure security, this inspection may include sensitive areas of the body. Screeners are rigorously trained to maintain the highest levels of professionalism. You may request that your pat-down inspection be conducted in private.

Gate Screening
Additional Screening May Occur at the Departure Gate
Some passengers may be selected for additional screening at the departure gate.

Air Travel - Prohibited Items
Prohibited items are weapons, explosives, incendiaries, and include items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons - the so-called "dual use" items. You may not bring these items to security checkpoints without authorization.

Permitted and Prohibited Items (PDF 339KB)

If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or at the least asked to rid yourself of the item. A screener and/or Law Enforcement Officer will make this determination depending on what the item is and the circumstances. This is because bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint - even accidentally - is illegal.

• Your prohibited item may be detained for use in an investigation and if necessary as evidence in your criminal and/or civil prosecution. If permitted by the screener or Law Enforcement Officer, you may be allowed to:
• Consult with the airlines for possible assistance in placing the prohibited item in checked baggage
• Withdraw with the item from the screening checkpoint at that time
• Make other arrangements for the item such as taking it to your car
• Voluntarily abandon the item. Items that are voluntarily abandoned cannot be recovered and will not be returned to you.

Please refer to the printable versions of the prohibited and permitted items list above where you will find a list of items that are permitted or prohibited in your carry-on or checked baggage. You should note that some items are allowed in your checked baggage but not your carry-on. Also pay careful attention to the 'Notes' included at the bottom of each section - they contain important information about restrictions.

The prohibited and permitted items list is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary. To ensure everyone's security the screener may determine that an item not on this chart is prohibited.

The list of items applies to flights originating within the United States. Please check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions at destinations outside of the United States.