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More on Increased Airport Security
For the forseeable future, getting from the front door of the terminal to the plane will be even more time-consuming that it already was. Still, you can ease your tension level and make the process go more smoothly by knowing exactly what to expect:
- Don't be surprised to see an increased presence of law enforcement personnel outside and inside the terminal building. Aircraft security will be completing thorough sweeps of airport properties. Therefore, do not leave your vehicle or baggage unattended.
- E-ticket and paper-ticket customers with luggage to check may proceed to the ticket counter. Be sure to keep your baggage receipts for verification once you reach your destination.
- All passengers are required to present government-issued photo identification at the time of check-in, and may be asked to present this identification at any time. Acceptable forms of photo identification for domestic travel are a passport, driver's license, or state-issued ID card. International travel will necessitate additional forms of identification and immigration
documents, such as a passport. Passengers are also required to present a printed passenger receipt (for e-ticket/ticketless travelers) or paper ticket at check-in. Only passengers with the appropriate ticketing/boarding documents and identification will be permitted beyond security checkpoints.
- For the time being, at least, passengers are restricted to one carry-on bag and one "personal item," such as a book, purse, or reasonably sized laptop bag.
- One thing that has not changed: You still do not need to stand in long ticket counter lines if you have only carry-on luggage. If you're not checking anything, you can still go directly to your gate to check in. Of course, you'll still be subject to the same new identification and documentation requirements as other travelers.
- Be prepared for increased passenger and baggage-security screening. Wand checks and full-body hand searches are to be expected.
As always, passengers should be prepared to empty pockets of coins and other metal objects. You should also be prepared to demonstrate the operation of electronic equipment such as laptops, hand-held video games, and cell phones. (For more information on this subject, see Traveling with a Laptop.)
- Though some airports advise that their x-ray machines will not cause damage to any film other than extremely high-speed film, experience has shown that regular-speed film can become cloudy through exposure to x-rays or magnetic fields from metal detectors. If you're concerned about this happening, carry rolls of film and videotapes in a clear plastic bag and ask for a hand inspection by airport security. And don't walk through the metal detector with tapes or disks--the magnetic field could harm them.
- Although it's not forbidden, avoid taking food or drink through security checkpoints. After security has verified that your beverage is harmless soda, you may not want it any more. Food is almost always available for purchase in gate areas past security.
- Be patient. Do not make jokes about security. Comply with all security instructions.
- If you have a medical condition that requires you to carry on syringes, be sure to keep your medicine with you as well (a good idea in any case). The medicine must be in its original container with a professionally printed pharmacy label.
- Maintain your sense of awareness and keep your possessions with you at all times. If you happen to see any baggage or packages inside the airport that look suspicious or are clearly unattended, immediately contact airport security. Even at the risk of inconveniencing your fellow travelers for a false alarm, it's better to have a safety expert check it out.
- Expect to see teams of individuals board the aircraft before general passenger boarding in order to sweep the aircraft as an added security precaution. These individuals may board the aircraft from inside the terminal building, or may enter and exit via jet bridge stairs.
- Pay special attention to announcements. Board the aircraft as directed by gate agents. Do not wait until the last minute to board the aircraft.
- Please keep in mind that every airport will have slightly different safety procedures in place, and we can't possibly cover all of them. Be sure to call or check airport Web sites (yes, most major airports have one) for more information about what to expect at your particular airport.
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Traveler Advice