Tips for Travel Under Increased Security Initiatives
The airport security screening procedures that travelers have become
accustomed to have changed due to recent events in the United States.
Before Travel
Understand that the airlines have worked closely with the Federal Aviation
Administration to ensure that airport facilities and aircraft meet all security
requirements. E-Tickets remain available and offer optimal
flexibility to customers.
How to Pack
Change your mindset. Airport security screening procedures will be
significantly more stringent than before. Items in one's suitcase that may have
passed through before may not be accepted onboard aircraft today.
Complete a personal luggage inventory. Empty out items in the "always packed"
suitcase. Look at each item and evaluate whether an object could be scrutinized
by airport security. (This includes items found in manicure kits, etc.) Consider
removal of anything that could be perceived as threatening, or may raise
suspicion at a security screening checkpoint. No knives of any size will be
accepted.
Anticipate having to open a bag for security inspection. Pack efficiently,
placing smaller items together in a pouch or bag. Avoid over packing so
that carryon luggage and checked suitcases open and close with ease.
Make sure that each suitcase has a name tag securely affixed to it.
Verify possession of a government-issued photo identification card or passport.
Customers will not be allowed to check-in without proper identification.
Have your identification in an accessible place because it will be checked more
than once. Bring E-Ticket confirmation to the airport.
Getting to the Airport
Confirm your flight status. Before proceeding to the airport, call the
airline or check on their website for delays or cancellations.
Expect restricted airport parking.
Arrive early. When calling to reconfirm your flight ask the airline the
suggested arrival time for your flight and airport. At a minimum, get to
the airport one hour before domestic departures and two hours before
international flights.
Upon Arrival at Airport
Leave no vehicle or baggage unattended. Aircraft security will be completing
thorough sweeps of airport properties. Expect to see an increased presence of
law enforcement personnel outside and inside the terminal building.
Curbside check-in may be available at some airports. E-Ticket customers
without luggage may check in at the gate providing they have an E-ticket receipt
or itinerary from a travel agent.
E-Ticket and paper ticket customers with luggage to check may proceed to the
ticket counter. Maintain baggage receipts for verification at destination.
At the Security Checkpoint
Access beyond security restricted to passengers and employees only.
Have ticket paperwork available, along with ID. Prepare to empty pockets of
coins, metals, etc. Prepare to demonstrate operation of electronic
equipment such as laptops, cell phones, etc. Be patient. Do not make jokes
about security. Comply with all security instructions.
Expect increased passenger and baggage security screening. Wand checks and
full-body hand searches may be expected.
At the Gate
Leave no bag unattended. Maintain sense of awareness. Expect to see law
enforcement personnel and dogs. Keep ticket paperwork and identification
available.
Expect to see teams of individuals board the aircraft before general passenger
boarding in order to sweep the aircraft as an added security precaution. These
individuals may board the aircraft from inside the terminal building, or may
enter and exit via jet bridge stairs.
Pay attention to announcements. Board the aircraft as directed by gate agents.
Do not wait until the last minute to board the aircraft.
Onboard the Aircraft
Expect to see random searches of service personnel, flight crews, and
equipment.
Listen to and follow crew instructions at all times. Flight crews are trained to
ensure passenger safety and comfort. Be patient if departure is delayed.
Passenger boarding and baggage loading are being carefully coordinated by ground
handling crew.
Upon Arrival at Destination
Proceed through the terminal beyond security. Meeting parties will be
restricted to areas outside security checkpoints. Have luggage receipts
available when retrieving luggage for verification.
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