Sliding through Airport Security
As we enter into yet another holiday season and the airports begin to get more crowded than usual, I thought I would take a moment to remind everyone about the latest guidelines for airport security. Traveling has become much more complicated in recent years and it is becoming increasingly important for travelers to know what they can do to keep themselves safe during this time of heightened security.
These new measures have been put in place due to terrorism concerns across the globe as well as other security threats. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can prepare yourself before arriving at the airport so that you don't have any problems with these new regulations while traveling this holiday season.
Empty your pockets before arriving at the airport
For many years, passengers have been able to pass through airport security with their wallets, keys and phones in their pockets. As of this year, you are going to have to take all of these things out of your pockets before going through security. This is a fairly new guideline that came into effect this past summer. The TSA has requested that travelers remove anything metallic or electronic from their pocket before going through security. This includes belt buckles, coins and watches as well as cell phones and wallets. You will have to put everything into a separate bin for X-Ray examination when arriving at the airport.
If you forget something at home, it is very easy to keep your bag secure while you are on the flight. Many airlines are offering this type of service for free as well as RFID blocking lining and other security features. These are a few of the things that can help people travel with less fear. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask a TSA agent where they put items before going through security screening. They are very knowledgeable about this new initiative and can assist you throughout your trip.
Keep Your Laptop Sealed
Passengers who travel often will know that they should be more careful when checking their luggage while on the plane or at an airport terminal. This is because you never know if a bomb might go off in your luggage. Fortunately, there is a way to avoid this problem while remaining safe while you are traveling. The TSA now requires that all laptops and cell phones be put into a locked compartment on the outside of the bag when they are being checked. This includes any bags that are checked onto the plane and any bags that are left at the airport terminal waiting for passengers. It is important to check with your airline before flying so that you know what their policy is about this new regulation and how long you have before boarding time.
Several airlines have already incorporated this new regulation into their security procedures. Check with your airline before leaving so that you know what to expect. Many of the major carriers like Southwest and JetBlue are already providing this service for free for their priority passengers. These airlines are also providing other enhanced security features, including a small bag in some cases. You will find all of these details on your airline's website if you prefer to read about them there instead of from a pamphlet at the airport.
Take the Airline Decision
While it's usually a good idea to fly through an airport at which you're most likely to travel, it is more important than ever to do your research before taking off from another location with multiple airports in close proximity. Read the latest security news to find the most up-to-date information. Today, there are many more regulations than there were just a few years ago so it's wise to do your research on each airline you're considering traveling with.
Sometimes, it may not be possible for even the best of pilots to fly through certain areas. In these cases, passengers might be flying with a different carrier that doesn't have current security history. Keep in mind that airlines are often allowed to have different rules and not all carriers are required to adhere to TSA rules which can make crossing borders a bit more complicated if you're travelling within a larger region or around areas where other terrorist activities have happened.
During the holiday season, airports and airlines will be very busy. It is important to keep up with the latest regulations to ensure your safe travel throughout the holiday season. If you have any questions on this new regulation or other security concerns, you can always contact a TSA agent for assistance. They are always there to help make your trip safer and more enjoyable.
Author: Lee Bob Easton
Airline companies will never stop finding ways to put their passengers at ease when flying. Whether that means improving their current services or incorporating new features into their products, these companies will never fail to impress customers with their dedication to safety throughout all phases of travel. These companies have fought through other regulations, including those introduced by the TSA, to be able to provide their customers with a safe and convenient travel experience.
Air New Zealand has recently announced that it will be incorporating a fail-safe system into its aircraft that will prevent all passengers from being injured in the event of an emergency if they are unable to reach their seats. This new system, which is not yet fully developed, uses state-of-the-art technology to monitor passengers throughout the cabin and ensures that no one is left behind during an emergency evacuation. It also ensures that if crewmembers become incapacitated in the event of an accident or natural disaster, these passengers will be escorted back to safety at all costs.
The FAA has recently issued an advisory bulletin for all airline passengers, informing them of a new regulation that will require airlines to provide emergency oxygen kits that are based on the flight cabin cabin's maximum design mass (CMM) or maximum volume occupied by passengers during the flight. The kits will be required on both domestic and international flights, and each passenger can choose up to two additional passengers who may accompany him or her should the need arise. These kits will contain enough oxygen for one person, depending on their size, to last approximately ten minutes. The new regulations are being implemented in response to a significant increase in the number of flyers who suffer from hypoxia en route.
The U.S. began incorporating these new rules into all airline travel in November 2012, and they will be in full force by the beginning of 2013. Flight attendants will be trained to ask passengers whether they need more oxygen on board, and passengers who decline the offer will not be permitted to fly. Fliers who are feeling fatigued, ill, or otherwise incapacitated should immediately request assistance from flight attendants or first-class passengers at airports around the country; if necessary, oxygen will be administered via mask or nasal cannula until a doctor or airport emergency services personnel can respond to assist the flier.
Conclusion
The new TSA regulations have proven to be an improvement for the safety of the traveling public due to a number of factors that it makes possible. The rule has not only resulted in more security checkpoints at airports across the country, but also benefits passengers by making their travel experiences much more pleasant.
These new TSA regulations have had little to no impact on passengers' safety, as any good passenger should be able to self-assess whether they suffer from any medical conditions that would require a special security check before boarding a plane. In some instances, these regulations have brought needed change to an industry that only years ago was experiencing losses due to overbooking of flights.