Security

As one of our greatest freedoms, travel adds knowledge and pleasure to our lives and is a great force for international goodwill and peace. Traveler's Fare, Inc. recommends that to enjoy your journeys to the fullest extent, become an informed traveler. Work with one of our experienced travel consultants on your individual wants and needs for the best travel experience possible.

During these uncertain times, travelers everywhere are bound to have questions regarding airline safety, going abroad and travel in general.

To insure passenger safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed strict security procedures at our nation’s airport. Here are some tips to help you comply with the new regulations.

The best thing that Americans can do in a situation like this is get out there. It's about the freedom of being able to travel - and to exercise that right.

UPDATE! Passports are required for travel to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean!

TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bag unlocked

In some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose, but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

Boarding Pass and Photo ID Required To Get to Your Gate

In TSA's on-going commitment to enhance security and improve customer service, TSA is consolidating passenger screening to the passenger security checkpoints. Selectee and most random searches will now be conducted at the checkpoints where TSA staff and screening equipment are concentrated.

To access these new checkpoints, you will be required to present a BOARDING PASS and PHOTO IDENTIFICATION. Tickets and ticket confirmations (such as a travel agent or airline itineraries) will no longer be accepted at these checkpoints.

There are four ways to obtain a boarding pass:

1. Go to your airline's ticket counter at the airport
2. Use curbside check-in
3. Use your airline's self-service ticket kiosk in the airport lobby (if available)
4. Print the boarding pass from your airline's website (not all airlines provide this option)

Airport Security

The FAA's Civil Aviation Security organization has been integrated into the newly formed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The TSA team is confident in, and committed to, providing effective and efficient security systems with nothing less than excellent customer service. "It boils down to world-class security and service that Americans and our visitors deserve, and that we in the U. S. can deliver. We will prepare, prevent, and protect, with professionalism and commitment."

Permitted and Prohibited Items

Prohibited items are weapons, explosives, incendiaries, and include items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons—the so-called “dual use” items. You may not bring these items to security checkpoints without authorization.

If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint, you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or, at the least, asked to rid yourself of the item. A screener and/or Law Enforcement Officer will make this determination, depending on what the item is and the circumstances. This is because bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint—even accidentally—is illegal.

Your prohibited item may be detained for use in an investigation and, if necessary, as evidence in your criminal and/or civil prosecution. If permitted by the screener or Law Enforcement Officer, you may be allowed to: consult with the airlines for possible assistance in placing the prohibited item in checked baggage; withdraw with the item from the screening checkpoint at that time; make other arrangements for the item, such as taking it to your car; or, voluntarily abandon the item. Items that are voluntarily abandoned cannot be recovered and will not be returned to you.

Please click on the following link for the most up to date list of permitted and prohibited items.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Be Prepared - Dress the Part

Dress the Part Image Be aware that any metal detected at the checkpoint must be identified. If you set off the alarm, you will be required to undergo a secondary screening, including a hand-wanding and a pat-down inspection.

You can remove metal items at the security checkpoint and place them in the bins provided. The bins will be sent through the X-ray machine. You can save time, however, by not wearing metal items or by placing such items in your carry-on baggage before you get in line.

TIP: Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, or other accessories that contain metal when traveling.

Jewelry (pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyard or bolo tie)
Shoes with steel tips, heels, shanks, buckles or nails
Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
Belt buckles
Under-wire brassieres

Hidden items such as body piercings may result in a pat-down inspection. You may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.

TIP: Avoid placing metal items in your pockets.

Keys, loose change, lighters
Mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)

TIP: Instead, place jewelry and other metal items in your carry-on baggage until you clear security.

TIP: Pack your outer coat or jacket in your baggage when possible.

Outer coats including trench coats, ski jackets, leather jackets, overcoats and parkas must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. If you choose to wear an outer coat to the checkpoint, you will need to either place it in your carry-on or put it in the bin that is provided for you. You will not need to remove suit jackets or blazers unless requested by the screener.

Plan Ahead - Pack Smart

Carry-on Baggage is a small piece of luggage you take onboard the airplane with you. You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case.

Checked Baggage is luggage you check in at the ticket counter or at curbside. It will not be accessible during your flight.

Below are a number of tips for packing your checked baggage that will help to speed your trip and ensure that your checked bag makes the flight with you.

Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it.
Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations.
Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.

The following general packing tips apply to both carry-on and checked baggage and will help you to move through the screening process more quickly:

Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. See permitted and prohibited items.
Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than 5 times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.
Check ahead of time with your airline or travel agent to determine the airline's baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and size and weight limitations.
Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1.
Don't forget to place identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well.
Avoid over packing so that your articles don't spill out if your bag is opened for inspection.
Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on baggage. The screeners may have to open your bag and examine its contents.
Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.

Before You Arrive - Final Checklist

Final Checklist Image Check with your airline or travel agent

To determine how early to arrive at the airport. Recommended check-in times differ by airline and airport.
To determine whether you need a boarding pass and photo identification to enter the passenger checkpoint. You can also check the TSA website by looking under Access Requirements for a current list of airports with this requirement.

Check with your airport

To confirm which parking lots are open if you will be parking at the airport. Some lots may be closed for security reasons. Be sure to allow extra time for parking and shuttle transportation.

Check to make sure you

Bring a boarding pass, ticket, or ticket confirmation, such as a printed itinerary, as well as a government-issued photo ID. At some airports, only boarding passes will be accepted to enter the passenger checkpoint.
Bring evidence verifying you have a medical implant or other device if it is likely to set off the alarm on the metal detector, bring evidence verifying this condition. Although this is not a requirement, it may help to expedite the screening process.
Have removed prohibited items such as pocketknives, metal scissors with pointed tips (metal or plastic scissors with blunt tips are permitted), and tools from your carry-on baggage. Double check the list of prohibited and permitted items to determine what can be placed in carry-on or checked baggage if you have any questions.
Have reviewed TSA's guidance on unlocking checked baggage.

Have a safe trip and enjoy your flight!