AIRPORT SECURITY
This is an overview of the most commonly encountered security issues now in effect at our airports. Please see
Approved Carry-on items:
This information is changing too rapidly to keep updated on this site.
Go to the TSA website for the most current information.
Camcorders - Cell phones
Cameras - Hand carry all undeveloped film
Laptop computers - take out of case for x-ray
Film - Remove all film from your checked baggage.
The new x-ray will damage undeveloped film. Passenger security x-ray will not damage film that is less
than ASA/ISO 800, however, multiple x-ray inspections (more than 5 times) of the same roll of film may
cause damage. If you plan to request a hand inspection of your film, you should consider carrying it in
clear canisters, or removing it from the solid canisters and putting it into clear plastic bags. Do not use
lead-lined bags since it will require time consuming hand inspection and slow down the process.
Luggage Locks:
If TSA feels the need to open you checked luggage, they will. The only
locks that are allowed on luggage have a red TSA symbol on the face.
They are readily available in many stores. If your luggage is inspected,
they will place a notice in it alerting you to the fact
that TSA screeners opened it. If your luggage is locked in any way but
with an approved lock, they will break it open.
Packing tips to keep x-ray happy.
Put personal items in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that it will get lost during inspection.
This allows the scanner to inspect items without pawing through them.
Pack shoes, boots, etc at the top of the bag, so they are easily inspected.
Avoid packing food and drink items in your baggage. The x-ray cannot penetrate - needs hand inspection.
Avoid overpacking. Spread your contents over more, smaller bags so they may be easily closed.
Don't pack stacks of books or papers, spread them throughout the baggage.
Place I.D. tags on the outside and inside each bag. Include name, address and phone number.
A wrapped gift in checked or carry on baggage may need to be opened for inspection.
To speed up getting through passenger security:
Put all metal objects including change, keys, cell phone and camera, into your carry on bag.
Pack your jacket in your carry-on to get through security.
Hidden items such as body piercings may result in a pat-down inspection.
Carry medical documentation to present to the screener for any implants. These may include:
artificial hip or knee, bone shafts, plates, shrapnel, staples, pins or metal ports that may set off
the alarm on the metal detector.
Avoid wearing things that contain metal:
Jewelry; body piercings; shoes with steel toes, heels, shanks, buckles or nails; clothing with
metal buttons, snaps or buckles; metal hair accessories; belt buckles, underwire bras
This page is incomplete. For specific questions see go to www.TSAtraveltips.us
for the most current information.