TSA Reminds Summer Travelers of the Three Simple Steps to Security

As the summer travel season begins, the Transportation Security Administration TSA reminds travelers that coming to the checkpoint prepared for the security process will lead to shorter lines and less travel stress. Passengers can actively improve the security process by being ready. Following these three steps will help everyone get through the security process faster:

1. Show ID and boarding pass
2. Take out liquids (in a baggie) and laptops
3. Take off shoes and jackets.
   

1. Show ID and boarding pass

TSA uses a standardized list of acceptable identification for airline travel. Passengers who present a federal- or state-issued photo ID containing name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature that is free from evidence of tampering can expect to be expedited through the travel document checking process. Standardizing the list of accepted documents better aligns TSA with other DHS components and REAL ID benchmarks.

Passengers should remove their government-issued photo ID from wallets, plastic holders and other similar carrying cases, and present the ID along with their boarding pass at the start of the screening process. Hold on to the boarding pass until through the magnetometer, where it may need to be shown again.

2. Take out liquids (in a baggie) and laptops

Large liquids are still banned from carry-ons. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels and aerosols at the checkpoint:

• 3-ounce bottles or less for all liquids, gels and aerosols placed in
• 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag;
• 1 bag per passenger placed separately in a security bin for X-ray screening.

The liquid restriction applies only to carry-on bags. Passengers can pack larger quantities of liquids and gels in checked baggage. Laptops must be taken out of their cases and placed in a separate bin for X-ray.

3. Take off shoes and jackets

Removing footwear for X-ray screening is required. Wearing footwear that can be easily removed helps speed the process. Please also put your jackets and sweaters in the bin.

"We recognize that the liquid restrictions and shoe removal are pain points for the public but they are necessary security measures based on current information," said Kip Hawley, TSA administrator. "Passengers can help the process by being prepared and recognizing that our officers are there for your safety. Please cooperate with our officers because your safety is their priority."

TSA is in the process of deploying more than 200 new technology units at the nation’s largest airports in time for summer travel. This technology includes multi-view advanced technology X-ray and millimeter wave, a form of whole body imaging technology. Multi-view advanced technology X-ray gives the security officers a better look at what is in carry-on baggage and has the potential to speed up the process because fewer bag checks will be required. A total of 600 of these machines will be deployed during 2008. Millimeter wave enables TSA officers in a matter of seconds to detect weapons, explosives and other metallic and non-metallic threat items without physical contact.

For more information on what to expect, tips for people with special needs, and what you can bring, please visit the TSA Web site at www.tsa.gov.