Last week, the Transportation Security Administration announced that implementation of stricter security screening measures for carry-on baggage will be phased in at additional airports over the next few weeks, expanding beyond the initial 10 airports that implemented the process in June.
Airline passengers will be required to remove all portable electronic devices larger than a cell phone from any carry-on baggage, and place them in the approved bin, similar to the current procedure for laptops. According to TSA, this extra step will allow a clearer X-ray for security screeners. The new screening procedures will impact regular passenger screening lanes. Air travelers enrolled with TSA PreCheck using those designated lanes are excluded from this new requirement. TSA officials plan to have staff posted at the beginning of the security process to help passengers with the new procedure.
The 10 airports with the new screening measures already in place include:
- Boise Airport (BOI)
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
- McCarran International Airport (LAS)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
There are no changes to the liquids rule that limits the size of personal items such as cosmetics, gels and toothpaste, to 3.4 oz. or less, or other items currently allowed in carry-on bags.
As a full-service travel agency, AAA recognizes the importance of airline traveler security and the ongoing safety and security efforts by the TSA to maintain a safe traveling environment.
An informed traveler can help ease the security screening process. Check the TSA website for helpful travel tips on what to pack and review the list of what's allowed in checked bags. Enrolling in TSA PreCheck can also help expedite the security screening process. For more information, visit https://www.tsa.gov/[tsa.gov].
