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Are the Friendly Skies Still Friendly? Air Travel Post
9/11
“Good afternoon sir.
How are you today? I need to see your boarding pass
and ID please. Please remove your outermost garment.
You’ll need to take your laptop out of the case
and place it separately in the bin. Sir, I would recommend
removal of your shoes. They look like they will set
off the metal detector. Yes, I would also recommend
removing your belt, as well. Do you have any other metal
or foil in your pockets, sir? Keys, cell phone, money
clip, coins, gum wrappers, cold medicine, batteries,
lottery tickets, cigarettes? Sir, I’ll need you
to place your newspaper and bagel in the bin please.
No, I’m sorry cigarette lighters and Swiss army
knives are prohibited items. You will not be allowed
to bring those on the aircraft. You may voluntarily
relinquish these items; you may return them to your
vehicle; give them to a non-traveling companion or mail
them home to yourself. Thank you, have a great flight,
please step through the metal detector now.”
If you’ve flown the friendly skies
since 9/11, you’ll notice some major changes at
the airport checkpoints. At times you’d think you
were stepping into a third world country with the dozen
or more federal security screeners herding you through
the process of merely getting to the gate prior to boarding
the aircraft. Due to heightened security, new safety
measures were implemented November 19, 2001. These measures
should not be looked upon as invasive or time consuming,
but rather offer peace of mind knowing all others on
the aircraft are screened in the thorough manner.
Following these tips will help you reduce
your wait time at the security checkpoint. Do not pack
or bring Prohibited Items to the airport. Place valuables
such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on
baggage only. Tape your business card to the bottom
of your laptop. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and
accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set
off the alarm on the metal detector. Avoid wearing shoes
that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many
types of footwear will require additional screening
even if the metal detector does not alarm. Put all undeveloped
film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage.
Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped
film. Checkpoint x-ray will not damage any undeveloped
film under 800 speeds. Declare firearms & ammunition
to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized
lock. Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to
the airport. Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring
wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or
ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have
to unwrap packages for security reasons.
Most importantly arrive at least 60-90
minutes prior to the departure of your flight to allow
adequate time to check in and to be screened. The screening
process cannot be expedited. The employees will do a
thorough, consistent job regardless if your flight leaves
in an hour or in 3 minutes.
Following these simple tips will ensure
a safe, peaceful flight. Further information can be
found at the tsa.gov website.
1howto.com
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