Travel tips for Airports

Know the rules for getting through airport security during the holidays.

Transportation Security Administration

As you prepare for holiday air travel, it pays to know the procedures for getting through security checkpoints smoothly and quickly. In particular, know what “3-1-1” means.

As you prepare for holiday air travel, it pays to know the procedures for getting through security checkpoints smoothly and quickly. In particular, know what “3-1-1” means.

The Transportation Security Administration’s “3-1-1” program:

• Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers three ounces or less,
• Items must be put in a one quart, clear plastic zip-top bag, and
• Only one zip-top bag per passenger.

Here are holiday travel tips from TSA:

Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, the official may have to unwrap your gift. Wrap gifts after arriving at your destination.

Apply 3-1-1 to gifts. “3-1-1” is not just about shampoo and toothpaste. Food items such as jams, salsas, sauces, syrups and dips will not be allowed through the checkpoint unless they are in containers three ounces or less and in the passengers one quart zip-top bag. This applies to gift items including lotions, creams, scented oil, liquid soaps, perfumes, and even snow globes, that are in excess of three ounces ─ even if they are in sealed gift packs. TSA suggests that you ship these items prior to your trip or put them in your checked baggage.

Any of these items WILL be allowed on the plane IF you purchase them after the security checkpoint. TSA allows liquid items purchased after the checkpoint onto planes because these items have been previously screened.

Know what items are prohibited on planes. A gift you plan to bring in your carry-on bag might be on TSA's Prohibited Item list. These items delay the screening process for you and other passengers. If you are not sure which items are allowed, click here to see the list of prohibited items.

Arrive on time. Check with your carrier for suggested arrival times. You must have a boarding pass and valid government photo ID to enter the security checkpoint. Give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.

Dress the part. Metal in your clothing may set off the walk-through metal detector. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Shoes must be removed and screened by TSA, so wear shoes you can easily take on and off to speed the process. Winter coats, blazers, suit jackets and bulky sweaters also must be removed and put in the bin for screening. Learn more about the screening experience, dressing the part, and what to expect.

Be considerate and save jokes for after the checkpoint. TSA says “our security officers are working to keep bombs off of airplanes. Please follow their directions. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated, and will result in delays and possibly missed flights.”

This article, and hundreds more, can be found on the NEA Member Benefits web site in the “Member Library” section: www.neamb.com/consumer_articles.jsp