UnitedStatesAction
Yahoo Group

Back to US Aviation Security Page

Back to US Action Home Page

AIR TRAVEL ADVISORY AND SECURITY TIPS FOR TRAVEL

Carry-On Baggage

• Air travelers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or briefcase) on all flights.

Allow Extra Time

• Arrive early. Heightened airport security measures increase the time needed to check in. Arriving at the airport two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure is advisable, however, passengers may want to consult with their airline for more specific arrival times. Build in even more time at the airport if traveling with young children, infants, or persons with disabilities.
• Consider taking public transportation to the airport, if possible. Parking and curbside access will be controlled and limited.
• Curbside check-in is available only at specific locations. Contact your airline to see if it is available for your flight.
• Do not leave your car unattended in front of th terminal. Security measures dictate that unattended cars will be towed.

At the Airport 

• Watch your bags and personal belongings at all times.
• Do not accept packages from strangers.
• If you see unattended bags or packages anywhere in the airport terminal or parking
  area, immediately report them to a security officer or other authority.
• Report any suspicious activities or individuals in the airport or parking lot to airport security.
• Don't joke about having a bomb or firearm. Don't discuss terrorism, weapons, explosives, or other threats while going through the security checkpoint. The mere mention of words such as "gun," "bomb," etc., can compel security personnel to detain and question you. They are trained to consider these comments as real threats

Checking In

• Adult passengers must bring a government-issued photo ID. The FAA requires that air carriers request government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or draft card, if the passenger appears old enough to have an ID. If a government-issued photo ID is not available, bring two pieces of ID, one of which must be from a governmental authority.
• E-ticket travelers should check with their airline to make sure they have proper documentation.
• Automated kiosks are available for airlines that have appropriate security measures in place. Travelers interested in this option should check with their airlines.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your bags. When asked who packed your bags and if you might have left them unattended at anytime, think carefully and answer the questions honestly. Criminals may use unsuspecting passengers to carry bombs or other dangerous items onto aircraft.
• Be cooperative as screeners ask to hand-search your bags. Security personnel will search a bag if the x-ray scan cannot determine its contents.

Screener Checkpoints

• Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints, unless a passenger requires parental oversight or must be accompanied by a medical assistant.
• Travelers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (e.g., purse or briefcase).
• Electronic items, such as laptop computers and cell phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so it can be X-rayed separately.
• Limit the amount of jewelry or other metal objects that you wear.
• Travelers should remove all metal objects prior to passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process.

On the Airplane

• Listen carefully to the flight attendant’s safety instructions. Note where the closest exit to your seat is located.
• Wear your seat belt.
• Report unattended items to your flight attendant.