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FEBRUARY 06, 2003
TSA Urges Spring Break Travelers to Prepare
for Trips
TSA Contact:
(571) 227-2829
The Transportation
Security Administration today urged Spring Break travelers to play
a role in airport security by following a few easy travel tips.
With hundreds
of thousands of air travelers – many of them from college
campuses – enjoying the ritual of Spring Break, it’s
hard to overemphasize the importance these tips can have in making
the airport security experience smooth and safe. Check www.TSATravelTips.us
for a wide range of helpful suggestions from the Transportation
Security Administration.
“We want
to help make everyone’s Spring Break as enjoyable as possible,”
said Adm. James M. Loy, the TSA’s Administrator. “But
the first priority – for everyone – is security. Particularly
with a lot of people taking international flights, having travelers’
cooperation will facilitate security screening, and be appreciated
by all of us at TSA.”
Some suggestions:
- “Arrive
Early” – Many airlines are requiring bags
to be checked 30 minutes to an hour before the flight is to depart.
Check with the airline on recommended arrival times.
- “Dress
the Part”
– Travelers can expedite passage through the passenger security
checkpoint by avoiding clothing and accessories that may set off
the metal detector alarm.
- “Pack
Smart”
– Travelers should think about how and what they pack and
review TSA’s permitted and prohibited list carefully. Some
items may be placed in the checked-baggage, but not carry-on.
Other items like film should only be placed in carry-on luggage
to prevent damage from baggage screening machines. Avoid putting
food or stacking books in checked luggage, put footwear on top
of other contents where it is readily accessible for screeners,
and put personal items like a toothbrush in a clear plastic bag
so screeners do not have to handle them.
- “Wrap
on Arrival” – If travelers are taking gifts
or bringing them home, they should wrap upon arrival at their
destinations, or ship the packages in advance. Wrapped gifts in
both checked and carry-on baggage may need to be opened if further
inspection is required.
- “In/Out/Off
– Simple Tips to Speed Your Trip”
- When approaching the passenger security checkpoint, travelers
should place all metal objects IN their carry-on bag, take their
laptop computer OUT of its carrying case, and take OFF outer coats
or jackets (does not include suit jackets).
To report problems
or make general comments travelers can call TSA’s Consumer
Response Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 or e-email TellTSA@tsa.dot.gov.
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