Thursday, April 14, 2016

#TravelThursday - Airport Security Tips


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If you haven’t flown recently or plan to, this news may not be on your radar. For those of us who have, we’re no stranger to recent TSA problems. Airports nationwide have seen security checkpoint lines double in size, with some waits lasting up to 90 minutes. 

Security lines have become so problematic - with many travelers missing flights - that airlines are sending emails to upcoming travelers urging them to arrive extra early:
Why is this happening you ask? Seems a number of factors come into play including an increase in passengers, far fewer Americans signing up for TSA PreCheck, and far fewer TSA screeners available to handle the crowds. 

Knowing peak travel season is upon us, you’ll want to be prepared for security and help move the line through quickly.  Here are our top tips to help you do so:


1. Follow the 3.4 ounces rule. Passengers are not allowed to bring liquids, gels, or gooey substances that are more than 3.4 ounces in a carry on onto the plane. Seriously, don’t even try it. Either stow larger items in your checked bags or dispose of them before arriving to the checkpoint.


2. And bag them up. Have you forgotten to remove your 3.4 ounce liquids before? Likely. But don’t think you can get by like this each time (unless you have TSA PreCheck). Make sure you put all liquid items in a zip lock bag that you can remove from your carry on to be screened separately for easy inspection.


3. Know what is prohibited. Sharp objects, firearms, fuels, tools longer than seven inches in length. For a full list of TSA prohibited items, visit their website here. Remember, even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it poses security concerns.
 

4. Remove electronics and other materials. Remove any laptop computers, video camera, DVD players, etc. from your carry on and place separately into a bin. Your iPads and cellphones are fine in your bags. Then remember to remove any other triggers - keys, watches, coins, belts, costume jewelry, etc. For those traveling with children, your strollers and car seats must pass through the x-ray as well, so be prepared to fold them up.

5. Not all carry ons are created equal. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all in the carry on luggage world. A bag that says it’s carry on size, does not always equal the size permitted on certain airlines. Check your carrier’s website or call customer service to learn about the specific dimensions you’re allowed to bring. If your bag is too large for that airline or if the overhead space is full - your bag will need to be checked by the flight crew (hopefully you have no breakables or necessities inside)


With all this in mind, needing to arrive early to ensure you make it to your gate on time is of utmost important. That's where we come in. We are available for pickups and drop offs at all of the major New York Airports including, JFK, La Guardia, Mac Arthur Airport and for most private airports including Farmingdale Executive Airport. We'll take care of getting you there on time for departure! Call and request a quote: (631) 587-8500