The challenges of air travel and airport security shouldn’t scare you. We’ll ease your way through airport security — often the most time-consuming part of your journey.
Whether you are checking your luggage or doing carry-on baggage, here are few rules to follow.
- Electronics – You will be asked to remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. Examples include laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles.
- Only carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in three-ounce containers. If you pack loose lithium batteries (used in digital cameras, cell phones, PDAs, and laptops) – only 8 grams (100-watt hours) of lithium batteries are allowed in your carry-on baggage. And they must be adequately protected in original packaging or a protective case.
Guide to airport security
- Locks – Choose TSA friendly locks, if bags can’t be open you may lose your lock during an inspection.
- Weight allowance – Check the rules for weight and size allowance. (visit www.TSA.gov for the official list of prohibited items).
- Prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires, and batteries must be installed in the devices.
Your travel advisor knows the different airline security regulations; for most airlines, maximum size of any carry-on is 45 linear inches (example bag = is 20x10x9”). Save yourself the hassle by checking anything larger and pack your carry-on as light as possible.
- Layout your packing items, be selective about what you need. Instead of 5 pairs of pants, think about only bringing 2.
- Re-wear outfits, hotels provide laundry service.
- Where possible, roll your clothes. The more efficiently you pack, the lighter your suitcase.
- Remember, it will be with you through all flights and transfers.
For frequent flyers, it’s beneficial to sign up for a Trusted Traveller program. There are several programs offered by Transportation Services Agency (TSA) including
Cost: USD $85 and TSA Pre✓® saves time and stress during domestic travel.
- Apply Online – The online application can be completed in 5 minutes or less, and schedule an appointment at the enrolment center. (Note some travel agencies provide this service in-house).
- Enroll – Attend an in-person appointment to provide fingerprints, supply citizenship, and Identification documents.
- Enjoy TSA Pre✓® – Once approved, add your Known Traveller Number to your airline reservations and enjoy a 5-year membership. See the list of participating airlines. www.tsa.gov/precheck/participating-airlines
- Benefits
- No removal of shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets
- Expedited security screening
- Enjoy benefits at more than 200 airports within the U.S. on 60 airlines
- Children under 12 may accompany a parent/guardian with TSA Pre✓® in the designated lanes.
Cost USD $100 and includes ease of entry into the U.S. from International Destinations.
- Apply Online ttp.dhs.gov
- Enroll
- Schedule & attend your in-person appointment.
- Find an enrolment center near you.
- Membership – Once accepted, your membership will last 5 years.
- Benefits
- Includes TSA Pre✓®
- Reduced wait times with self-serve kiosks.
- paperwork to be filled out by hand.
Global Entry program members can use Global Entry Customs Kiosks at 75 airports when returning to the U.S. from abroad.
written By: Parm Parmar
