Security Tips Help Travelers Navigate Airports

Insiders' Guide Assists With New Airport Regulations

How To Pack

• Change mindset. Airport security screening procedures will be significantly more stringent than before. Items in one's suitcase that may have passed through before may no longer be accepted onboard aircraft today.
• Complete a personal luggage inventory. Empty out items in your "always-packed" suitcase. Look at each item, and evaluate whether an object could be scrutinized by airport security. (This includes items found in manicure kits, etc.)
• Consider removal of anything that could be perceived as threatening, or may raise suspicion at a security screening checkpoint. No knives of any size will be accepted.
• Anticipate having to open a bag for security inspection. Pack efficiently, placing smaller items together in a pouch or bag. Avoid overpacking so that carryon luggage and checked suitcases open and close with ease. Make sure that each suitcase has a nametag securely affixed to it.
• Verify possession of a government-issued photo identification card or passport. Customers will not be allowed to check-in without proper identification.
• Bring E-Ticket confirmation to the airport.

Getting To The Airport

• Confirm flight status. Before proceeding to the airport, call your airline to verify flight status.
• Expect restricted airport parking. Arrive early. Customers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights, and at least two-and-one-half hours before international flights.

Upon Arrival At The Airport

• Leave no vehicle or baggage unattended. Aircraft security will complete thorough sweeps of airport properties. Expect to see an increased presence of law enforcement personnel outside and inside the terminal building.
• Proceed inside the terminal with luggage. Curbside check-in and "off airport" checked baggage options are unavailable.
• E-Ticket and paper ticket customers with or without luggage must proceed to the ticket counter. Maintain baggage receipts for verification at destination.

At The Security Checkpoint

• Access beyond security is restricted to passengers and employees only.
• Have ticket paperwork available, along with ID. Prepare to empty pockets of coins, metals, etc.
• Prepare to demonstrate operation of electronic equipment such as laptops, cell phones, etc.
• Be patient. Do not make jokes about security. Comply with all security instructions.
• Expect increased passenger and baggage security screening. Wand checks and full-body hand searches may be expected.

At The Gate

• Leave no bag unattended. Maintain sense of awareness. Expect to see law enforcement personnel and dogs.
• Keep ticket, paperwork and identification available.
• 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 attention to announcements. Board the aircraft as directed by gate agents. Do not wait until the last minute to board the aircraft.

Onboard The Aircraft

• Expect to see random searches of service personnel, flight crews, and equipment.
• Listen to and follow crew instructions at all times. Flight crews are trained to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
• Be patient if departure is delayed. Passenger boarding and baggage loading are being carefully coordinated by ground-handling crew.

Upon Arrival At Your Destination

• Proceed through the terminal beyond security. Meeting parties will be restricted to areas outside security checkpoints.
• Have luggage receipts available when retrieving luggage for verification.

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