TSA 145-02
Friday,
Dec. 20, 2002
TSA Press Contact: 202-385-1800
Foreign
travelers face new security measures at U.S. airports Following
TSA packing guidelines will help smooth security screening
Under
Secretary of Transportation for Security Adm. James M. Loy today recommended
that foreign visitors traveling in the United States follow Transportation
Security Administration guidelines for packing carry-on and checked baggage.
Adm. Loy,
saying those updated guidelines will help foreign travelers clear security
checkpoints at U.S. airports, also urged passengers to leave their
checked bags unlocked, which will avoid the potential need to forcibly open bags
that require further physical inspection.
New security
measures ordered by Congress include screening all checked baggage for
explosives by Dec. 31, 2002, meaning baggage is subjected to more intensive
scrutiny than in the past. In addition, passengers and their carry-on bags are
screened at all of the nation’s 429 commercial airports.
“Some
items that passengers may be able to carry on an airplane in other countries,
such as scissors and other sharp objects, are not allowed in carry-on bags in
the U.S.,” said Adm. Loy. “Consequently, items brought into the country or
purchased here by foreign visitors may not be taken home if they are not stowed
in checked baggage.”
He said security screening is going well, in part because
of cooperation by passengers. It is important that all air travelers be aware of
TSA rules, which include a list of prohibited items. That list, along with
packing advice, can be found at www.TSATravelTips.us.
Domestic airlines, airports and many travel agents also are cooperating with the
TSA in making such information available to passengers.
One big difference foreign visitors
will notice is that many U.S. airports have their large, explosives detection
machines set up in terminal lobbies, contributing to crowding. In many
countries, those machines are out of sight, built into the baggage conveyor
system.
All bags are subject to search. Bags that set off alarms or
otherwise raise security concerns will have to be opened for inspection. The TSA
is moving toward providing travelers with free, tamper-evident seals that
screeners can snip open if a search is necessary. But for now, air travelers are
advised to secure their luggage with cable or zip ties as an alternative to
using baggage locks.
If a checked bag is searched, a “Notification of Baggage
Inspection,” which says the TSA is not liable for damage, will be put inside
the bag. Screeners will then reseal the bag for the rest of the trip.
Adm. Loy has given federal security directors the
flexibility they need to respond to issues that arise from the screening
process.
Adm. Loy asked passengers to not pack food or beverages –
which tend to set off alarms -- in checked bags. To make searches easier,
don’t over pack, and put footwear on top of other contents. Place personal
belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce chances of a TSA screener having to
handle them. Don’t stack books in luggage. Instead, spread them out.
Passengers also were warned against putting film in checked
bags, because screening equipment will damage it. Remember to leave gifts
unwrapped should screening require them to be opened. Put scissors, pocket
knives and other sharp items in checked bags, never in carry-on.
Besides the large EDS machines, screening will be done
using congressionally-approved methods including explosives trace detector
machines, explosives-sniffing dogs, passenger-bag matching and hand searches.
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