TSA Security Checklist

TSA's Summer Travel Checklist - Fly through airport security with these tips

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has prepared tips for going through security screening at the airport. They may help you save time. For more details visit www.tsa.gov.

DRESS TO FLY -

· Don’t wear heavy metal jewelry and accessories to the airport. Metal jewelry beneath clothing will set off the metal detector and result in additional security screening.
· Know the shoe policy. Travelers are not required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector. However, TSA screeners may encourage you to remove them because many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm. Suggested footwear includes flip-flops and thin-soled sandals without metal.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS -

Make sure to check TSA’s list of prohibited items before you begin to pack. A complete list can be found at http://asi.faa.gov.

Carry-on baggage. The airlines suggest that the following items be kept in your carry-on luggage.

· Valuables such as jewelry, laptop computers, and cash.
· Medication in pre-printed prescription containers.
· Undeveloped film and cameras with film. The x-ray machine will not harm digital cameras or electronic media cards.

Checked baggage. The FAA allows the following items in your checked baggage, but airlines may have additional regulations; please check with your airlines for any further restrictions.

· Film and cameras - Do not put your undeveloped film and cameras with film in your checked baggage. The equipment used to screen checked baggage will damage undeveloped film!!
· Firearms or ammunition (must be declared to your airline and packed as specified by FAA and TSA rules).
· Sports equipment. Most sports balls are allowed on board but will need to be screened through x-ray machines.
· Hunting knives and tools, bows and arrows, and spear guns.
· Fishing tackle and large fishing rods.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS -

Gifts - Summer is the time to travel for weddings and graduations. Always leave gifts unwrapped while traveling. Screeners need to ensure that items in your bag do not pose a threat to passengers and this may require them to unwrap the gift.

Planning to relax with a round of golf? Please note: Fertilizer left on golf clubs or shoes may set off the alarm on TSA’s explosives detection equipment. Please clean such items before you fly.

Lock your baggage. Travel Sentry and Safe Skies have an arrangement with TSA to supply TSA “accepted and recognized” locks. TSA screeners have tools for opening and re-locking baggage with either of the following logos, thus avoiding damage to the lock or bag if physical inspection is required.

Reprinted from The Reconstructor, Newsletter of Boster, Kobayashi & Associates, Summer 2006.

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