Natalia’s Airport Security Tip Of The Week

Week #12
Don’t use vacuum seal storage bags when packing. TSA is required to open and release the sealed bags for inspection and the bags will not be resealed.

Week #11
When you travel with your children, especially older children,
make sure you know what they are packing!

1) Your 12 year old might pack fireworks (cherry bombs,firecrackers, etc.) This could get you a big fine! $1500 to $10,000 depending on the gunpowder involved.

2) Your 5 year old could sneak his pet frog, snake or mouse into his cute little Spongebob backpack. Now you have a delay at the security checkpoint and what happens to the pet? And, how do you think your child will react to that?

3) Let’s think about your teen packing for a moment….maybe that’s a little scary! Just make sure you know what’s in their backpack. You are the parent and you will be held responsible.

So this simple tip of checking ALL your family’s bags could definitely save you a lot of stress at the airport.

Week #10
Do you have to be screened by Tracel Portal (Puffer) machines?
The Puffer machine that blows air on you. It then analyzes the air for trace amounts of explosives.
If the airport you’re traveling through has a puffer machine, but the machine is still in the pilot phase, then the answer is no. You are not required because it is on a voluntary basis only.
If the airport has a puffer machine and they have completed the pilot phase and they are using the machine as a primary security measure, then yes, you are require to be puffed. You may refuse, but know they will use a full-body pat-down instead.
My advice is to ask the screener if the puffer is in the pilot phase. If it is, TSA can only request you to go through the puffer as a volunteer.

Week #9
1) Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film, in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the x-ray machine numerous times, ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.

2) Pack shoes, boots, sneakers and other footwear on top of other contents in your baggage. This makes it easier to check your bags and may save you an extra bag check.

3) Don’t forget to place identification tags with your name and phone on all bags, including your laptop computer bag. Also, use tags that protect your personal information from prying eyes. (criminals and theives fly too)!

4) While at the airport, and anywhere else, keep your phone conversations private. Remember that you could be sharing personal information with anyone within ear-shot of you.

Week #8
The 3-1-1 Rule for carry-on baggage: 3 ounces of liquids, gel and creams- 1 quart size zip-top plastic baggy- 1 bag per person.

1. Pack all liquids, gels and creams over 3 oz. into your checked baggage! Liquid medications over 3oz are permitted. Pack them separate from other 3-1-1 items and declare them to a TSO (transportation security officer).
2. Remember that certain snacks are deemed liquids! If you like traveling with your favorite Jell-O, pudding or yogurt, don’t! They won’t pass through security.

3. Don’t bring beverages from home over 3oz. Only those purchased after security screening over 3oz. are permitted in the sterile area or on your plane.
4. Are you gellin’? Even gel shoe inserts won’t make it through security. However, bras filled with gel or saline are considered accepted cosmetic prosthesis.
5. Baby formula and breast milk are allowed, but remember to separate these from the rest of your liquids and declare them to security. Baby doesn’t need to be present.

Week #7
Most medication can be x-rayed without damage occuring to it.Double check with your dotor and ask how your medication should be screened. If the answer is a hand-check, then pack your medication in a separate zip-top plastic bag and ask for a hand check before the screening process starts.
Remember that there is no scientific evidence that X-rays damage medication.
Whether or not you get a hand-check is up to the discretion of the security screener. Everything from the appearance of the medicine to how the passenger behaves can influence the airport screener’s decision to grant a hand-check in lieu of an X-ray view.

Week #6
New embargo - Breed restrictionCheck with your airlines for breed restrictions for check baggage and carry-on. Below is an example of checked baggage restrictions for a specific time period.
For the safety of your animal, United Airlines does not accept the following short-nosed dog breeds, or mixed-breed dogs exhibiting the short-nosed characteristics of these breeds, as either checked baggage or cargo from June 1 - September 30 of each year. This restriction does not apply to animals traveling with you in the cabin.
Boston Terrier
Boxer
English or French Bulldog
King Charles Spaniel
Lhasa Apso
Pug
Shar-Pei
Shih Tzu

Week #5
Traveling With Children and Teens!

1. Ask for or look for child friendly lanes. At child friendly lanes the screeners will guide your children through with puppets, offer stickers and have them stand on matts with pictures of friendly animals.

2. Speak to your children about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised.

3. Don’t dress your children in overalls. They will always alarm and now the child will be sent to secondary screening.

4. Make sure they wear slip-on shoes (just like you should).

5. You can always ask for a private screening.

6. Remind your teenagers not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives

Week #4
In today’s world most of us travel with medications or supplements and since the TSA recently revised the rules for certain items it’s good to review them individually:Medications:1) All medication must have a manufacturers or pharmaceutical label for identification.
2) TSA prefers you to carry only enough medication to get you through your flight.
3) Pack all medication separate from your other carry-on 3-1-1 items. You have the right to handle and repack your own medication.

Week #3
If you had to categorize yourself as a particular traveler, would you be a “Black Diamond”, “Green Circle”, or a “Blue Square”?“Black Diamond” line is for the “Expert Traveler.”
“Green Circle” line is for families with small children and strollers, those new to flying and those needing special assistance.

“Blue Square” line is for the “Frequent Traveler.”
Knowing what lane to use save you tons of time!

Week #2
No one likes to wait in line at the airport, so I posted a wait time link to help ease your pain at http://divineislandbooks.com/blog/2008/02/22/security-checkpoint-wait-times/
where you can check your airport’s specific wait time. Just click on the above link.

Week #1
How can you tell if you’re going to be selected for secondary screening?
The exercise is simple. Check-in and print out your boarding pass the night before, no more than 24 hours in advance for most airlines. This alone will tell you a lot. If you are successful in printing out your boarding pass, you will not be selected for secondary screening by the airlines. If you cannot print it out, then it’s a high probability that you have been selected for secondary screening.
Remember it’s still a possibility to be randomly selected for secondary screening by TSA’s walk-through metal detector agent. My advice is not to wear loose clothing. You don’t want to look like you are carrying a weapon of mass destruction.