Sen. Carper Reminds Delawareans of Holiday Air Travel Tips

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del), chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, reminds Delawareans about the steps they can take to be prepared for airport security this holiday season. The Transportation Security Administration screens approximately 1.8 million passengers daily at more than 450 airports across the country. During the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period, 25 million people are expected to travel by air, a 1.5 percent increase over 2012.

“Traveling to visit family and friends for the holidays should be a hassle-free experience,” said Sen. Carper. “By checking TSA’s guidelines in advance, travelers can expedite the security screening process and enjoy their trip.”

Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide. To alleviate misunderstandings at the security checkpoint, TSA is reminding travelers of the following tips:

• 3-1-1 for liquids: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and all bottles must fit in 1 quart size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening.

• Gifts: While wrapped gifts are allowed, security officers may need to unwrap a gift to resolve an alarm. TSA recommends passengers wrap gifts after their flight or ship them ahead of time to avoid the possibility of having to open them during the screening process. Small snow globes are allowed in carry-on luggage when packed in a passenger’s plastic 3-1-1 bag.

• Food: Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted, but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel, it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to a destination in advance. For more detailed information, visit: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-food-or-gifts

• Children 12 and under and adults 75 and older: TSA has modified the screening procedures for children 12 and under and adults 75 and older.

• Check for prohibited items: Travelers can use the “Can I bring my…” app on www.TSA.gov or www.TSA.gov/mobile to check what items are allowed/not allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. Smartphone users can easily download the “My TSA” app to quickly find helpful information about TSA policies and procedures.

• Prepare for security: Have a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID and boarding pass out and remove liquids and large electronics, including laptops, from carry-on baggage. Remember to remove shoes, outerwear, and bulky jewelry and empty pockets. Place valuable items in a carry-on bag.

• TSA’s Wounded Warrior Screening program: This program allows expedited screening and curb to gate service for this trusted group of citizens. Wounded warriors or their care coordinators can contact TSA Cares toll free at (855) 787-2227 with details of the itinerary once flight arrangements are made with the airline. In addition, at airport checkpoints nationwide, U.S. service personnel in uniform with proper identification, whether traveling on official orders or not, are not required to remove their shoes or boots unless they alarm the technology.

• More Travel Tips: Check out TSA’s helpful Traveler Information site for more useful information to help ease the traveling public through security checkpoints. Additional holiday travel tips are available: http://blog.tsa.gov/2013/11/tsa-2013-holiday-travel-tips.html

For further questions about TSA procedures and upcoming travel, or to provide feedback or voice concerns, please call the TSA Contact Center (TCC) at (866) 289-9673.  Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at (855) 787-2227, 72 hours prior to traveling with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.