Travel Tips: Plan Ahead to Avoid Delay at Airport Check in and Screening

Just as travelers began to adjust to security changes following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the TSA started to streamline screening, a whole new set of regulations has been implemented.

In the wake of the London terrorist threat, the TSA implemented a stringent new set of criteria. These include a ban on almost all carry on luggage.

On ABC's "This Week", Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said, "I don't see us moving to a total ban on hand baggage at this point." Presumably, that means that there may be a reprieve on some restrictions.

To find the latest on allowed carry-on items, please
visit: http://www.tsa.gov/ to download the "Prohibited Items Brochure."

Here is a summary from the TSA.gov website:

Liquids, gels and lotions cannot be taken through the security check point, but they can be purchased and then discarded before boarding the aircraft. This restriction on "liquids, gels and lotions" includes anything with a liquid consistency or component: shampoo, toothpaste, perfume, hair gel, suntan lotion, gel deodorant, etc. Exceptions to the "no liquid, gels and lotions" policy include: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket; up to 8 oz of liquid or gel insulin and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications.

All aerosols are banned unless it is a prescription medicine. Note: Make sure your asthma or COPD inhaler has a complete prescription label attached to the plastic case! If you don't have a label, go to your pharmacy to get one before flying.

Lighters are still banned and you still have to take that laptop out of the case for security screening.

Some banned items that may surprise you: Alcohol gel hand sanitizer , baby teething ring with gel, gel candies, gel capsule medications, gel shoe inserts, lip gloss, and mascara.

It is important to remember that bringing banned items to the security check point, even by accident, is "illegal" according to the TSA. Also, shoes MUST be removed and screened by the x-ray machine. While most airports have encouraged travelers to remove shoes, it has not been mandatory until now.

Traveling to the UK? Be aware that passengers traveling to the United Kingdom will be subject to more extensive security screening processes, including a physical inspection of baggage at the departure gate.

Tips to avoid frustration--here is what I do:

1. I plan ahead
2. I allow myself plenty of time to get to the airport. The changes are new for the TSA security screeners and they are having to adjust to a more intense screening process and they are as frustrated as we are! For domestic flights, I check in online and print my boarding pass from home. Even if I have luggage to check, this can expedite the check-in process. Also, I arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to the departure of my flight. Take a book or an iPod and enjoy any spare time you may have once you get checked in and through screening.
3. I review the items in my carry-on and only pack essentials To avoid last minute shuffling of things from my carry-on, I make sure I review the list of banned items and place banned items in my checked luggage. This saves frustration and embarrassment at the security line.
4. I am prepared for increased scrutiny at security check points. The TSA personnel are going to be scrutinizing carry-ons very closely so I expect them to rummage through my personal effects.
5. I am prepared to remove my shoes. It is now mandatory! I wear shoes that I can easily slip on and off with socks so that I don't have to walk barefoot!

Other considerations

If you wear contact lenses and have problems with dry eyes, you may want to wear your glasses during the flight. Contact solution and lens wetting drops are prohibited.

For travelers with medical conditions, ensure that all medications and devices are labeled properly by your pharmacy. All prescriptions must be labeled by the pharmacy and include the name of the ticketed passenger. Frequently asthma inhalers, nitroglycerin sublingual and other medical devices such as insulin syringes and blood glucose test strips and lancet are not labeled or the box with the label is discarded. To be on the safe side, check with your pharmacy and ask them to label all medications and devices before you fly.

If you have a medical condition that require that you eat frequently or that you drink fluids to prevent dehydration, you can still purchase food and drinks beyond the security check point. However, these items must be consumed before boarding the aircraft. Notify aircraft personnel upon boarding of any special needs you have.

For travelers to the UK, restrictions are much more stringent and currently all carry on baggage (including electronics such as laptops, cell phones, iPods and music players) is restricted (varies depending upon airline and airport). You are allowed to have a clear plastic bag containing your travel documents. This is likely to ease up in the next several days so check with your airline website prior to departure to get an update list of restrictions.

Finally, despite all these restrictions that can make flying a hassle, remember that there is a big, wonderful world out there waiting to be explored! Do not let these restrictions or fear prevent you from flying. Whether you are flying to spend time with family or traveling to see the world, be safe and have fun!

Tom
Sign up for my newsletter