To ensure the security of the nation’s airline passengers and U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items that require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes.
(Courtesy of CBS This Morning and YouTube)
Following extensive testing and successful pilots at 10 airports, TSA plans to expand these measures to all U.S. airports during the weeks and months ahead.
Due to increased threats to aviation security, DHS Secretary John Kelly announced in late June new security requirements for nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries.
(U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced additional security measures on June 28 for international commercial flights to the U.S. Courtesy of the Washington Post and YouTube)
In an effort to raise the baseline for aviation security worldwide, TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance security measures and stay ahead of the evolving threat.
“Whether you’re flying to, from, or within the United States, TSA is committed to raising the baseline for aviation security by strengthening the overall security of our commercial aviation network to keep flying as a safe option for everyone,” said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.
As new procedures are phased in, TSA officers will begin to ask travelers to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similarly to how laptops have been screened for years.
This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image.
It is possible that passengers may experience more bag checks, however, through extensive testing, TSA identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear the bags.
The new screening procedures in standard lanes are already in place at the following 10 U.S. airports with plans to expand to all airports during the weeks and months ahead:
- Boise Airport (BOI)
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
- McCarran International Airport (LAS)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
In standard screening lanes, TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening.
Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.
There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.
3-1-1 Liquids Rule
3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller sized containers that fit in a 1 quart-sized resealable bag may go in carry-on and through checkpoint security.
Containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) regardless of amount inside must be in checked baggage. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
“It is critical for TSA to constantly enhance and adjust security screening procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats and keep passengers safe.”
“By separating personal electronic items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles for screening, TSA officers can more closely focus on resolving alarms and stopping terror threats,” said Gowadia.
The stronger security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® who are using TSA Pre✓® lanes.
TSA has also marked another milestone earlier this month with TSA Pre✓® now available at 200 airports nationwide.
Travelers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® do not need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, electronics, light outerwear, or belts.
(Be part of an expedited security screening program that helps take the stress out of travel. No need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. Courtesy of the TSA and YouTube)
The program allows TSA to focus resources on passengers who may pose a high risk to security while providing expedited screening to those travelers who have been identified as low-risk, trusted travelers.
DHS Trusted Traveler Programs
Travelers may also enroll in one of three trusted traveler programs offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI.
Members of these programs are eligible to participate in TSA Pre✓® and do not need to apply separately; once successfully enrolled in a CBP trusted traveler program, participants may utilize their “PASSID” as their known traveler number.
TSA Pre✓® is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.
(Learn about the Global Entry program and how it can help you speed through international airports! Courtesy of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and YouTube)
To find the program that best suits your travel needs, view the DHS trusted traveler comparison tool.
As always, TSA continues to incorporate unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport.
All travelers will be screened, and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.
TSA uses risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security.
Learn More…
TSA Pre✓® Hits Milestone with More Than 5M Travelers Enrolled (Video)
