Tag: TSA

Posted on by

Read ID…Confusion and Clarification

Real ID Questions and Confusion

In just 19 months air travelers will need the driver’s license/ID card known as a Real ID if they want to board domestic flights, but as states roll out the new cards there has been both confusion and anxiety.

Oct. 1, 2020, is the day the Real ID law will finally be enforced. Conceived as part of 2005 legislation in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it requires people to show security-enhanced IDs to pass through airport security checkpoints or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases.

You can, however, use your passport in lieu of a driver’s license with the Real ID logo.

Many states are marking their drivers’ licenses with a gold or black star in the top right-hand corner. They must also include an encoded machine-readable zone, similar to a passport. Many states already had this feature in use.

So, why the confusion?

If your driver’s license needs to be renewed, you will need to go to the DMV with your passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or tax form AND two proofs of address.

A “regular” driver’s license won’t work when flying. You won’t be able to go through security. You can use your passport. Likewise, for all international travel…you need your passport.

If you’re like me, my license doesn’t expire for four years. The mandatory date for having my license as a Real ID is prior to that. Guess I will be taking my passport with me on domestic flights.

Posted on by

How Does My Hair Look?

Security at the airport. Changes have already started at some airports.

How about this? You only need to look at a camera to be identified when traveling through an airport. Sound like a better idea than keeping your ID handy?

This facial-recognition technology, biometrics, is being implemented at airports around the country. Delta rolled out a facial-recognition option from curb to gate for international travelers leaving from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s Terminal F. Other airlines have begun limited use of biometrics.

‘At the check-in desk or self-service kiosk, you can choose the biometric option and have your photo taken. The photo will then bematched with others in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) database, such as those for passports or visas. If there are no red flags, a green check mark will flash on the screen and you will be able to go directly to the TSA security checkpoint (where your face will be scanned again), then to the gate (scanned again) and finally to yourseat on the airplane.’

Of course, you still need your passport. But, this may offer you one less thing to keep in your hand and help speed your check-in process.

Other airports testing this include Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Chicago. They are using this at check in.

One goal is to catch imposters, which apparently has already begun.

The next time you head to the airport, you might want to comb your hair. Just sayin…

Posted on by

Why Am I Being Screened?

Have you really looked at your boarding pass? All of it? Have you seen a code you weren’t familiar with?

One code you really don’t want to see are the letters SSSS. For one thing, your security process will no doubt take a lot longer. Why?

Those four letters mean Secondary Security Screening Selection. That means you are one who has been selected for a security screening different than everyone else. It most likely means a full pat down, additional portable metal detectors, your carry-on luggage examined fully, and additional scrutiny.

According to a TSA spokesperson, passengers who have the code on their boarding passes are selected through the TSA’s Security Flight System, a prescreening program that identifies both low and high-risk passengers before they get to the airport.

This system matches names against trusted traveler lists and the TSA’s watchlist. They also said it could just be a random selection and nothing you’ve ever done.

Chances are if you have SSSS, you won’t be able to print your boarding pass online at home or at a hotel. If that happens, make sure you get to the airport early and allow enough extra time for the screening process.

What can you do in addition? TSA says you can apply for a Redress Number. If you have had the SSSS show up more than once, this would be a good thing to look into. Basically, it’s a case number specifically for you. This would clear up any confusion if your name matches or is similar to someone who really is on a Homeland Security watch list or has given TSA a reason to perform extra screening.

Posted on by

What…I Can’t Take That Through Security?

TSA’s 5 Holiday Travel Tips to Get Through Security

These are always good tips, but especially important during this time of year.

  1. Get to the airport early

The Transportation Security Administration, TSA, recommends you arrive at least two hours early if you’re flying domestic and three hours for international travel. So, plan even further ahead. There will be more people on the road, more people parking, more looking for Uber, longer rental car return lines, and people who only travel once a year.

  1. Use your time in the checkpoint line wisely

Again, always a good idea. While waiting in what may be a long line, empty your pockets and put loose items into your carry-on bag. This will save you time because you won’t have to put small stuff into a TSA bin and then have to empty it on the other side. Get your boarding pass and identification out. Make electronics larger than a cellphone easily accessible. New TSA regs this year require you to put them in a bin with nothing else around them.

  1. If you are traveling with gifts, don’t wrap them with wrapping paper and tape

Sounds crazy. Right. Though it’s not illegal to bring wrapped gifts through security, they could cause delays. If your bag is flagged during the X-ray screening, officers will need to thoroughly check all items in your bag. That means unwrapping any presents you have. If you need to wrap presents ahead of time, the TSA suggests you use a gift bag or box.

Oh…those snow globes. Guess what? They have liquid. If you’re carrying one as a gift, make sure it contains less than 3.4 liquid ounces.

  1. Traveling with food items during the holiday is OK

Many people wonder whether they can bring food, and the answer is yes. The TSA has specific guidelines that address this rule. If the food item is a solid, like cookies, pie, or a ham, you can pack it in your carry-on bag. But if the food is spreadable or pourable, then it must contain no more than 3.4 liquid ounces. The agency says if you’re unsure, consider this: If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, pack it in your checked bag.

  1. Don’t bring along prohibited items

It seems like common sense, but every day the TSA finds banned items that passengers say they mistakenly left in their carry on. It happened to me. I had a corkscrew that had traveled with me for years. It never created a problem…until one time. Something about it TSA didn’t like, or maybe it’s new regs. In any case…don’t put it in your carry on.

Lastly, an extra tip. Though you can’t bring bottled water through security, you can drink it while in line and then refill the bottle on the other side. This will save you a few dollars before you take off.

 

Posted on by

Is That a Horse on My Flight?

Support Animals on Airplanes

Miniature horses are now allowed on several airlines as service animals. These horses, when properly trained, assist with disabilities. Since they have excellent eyesight and can live 30 or more years, they often help those who are blind.

In addition, if someone has a dog or cat allergy…a miniature horse may be the solution.

The key word here is trained. They need to be professionally trained in order to qualify, say most airlines. And, they must qualify as a service animal. Not just a pet. As of yet, they also do not qualify as an emotional support animal. That category is for dogs and cats only.

Can you find out if a miniature horse will be on your flight? Not yet. You’ll only find that out during boarding.

So…if you see a small horse standing in the boarding area, you’ll know why!

 

Posted on by

Travel Planning Suggestions

Here are a few ideas when planning your next trip…or your first trip. Have fun…

1 month out

  • Make sure you have the maps you will need; load some on your phone that can be used offline; possibly get paper ones
  • Double check your flight info; just an FYI
  • Call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you will be traveling and where you will be

2 weeks out

  • Check weather so you can pack accordingly; check for the next two weeks…as it may change drastically
  • Check medication refills and contact your physician if necessary
  • Take a free airport tour online
  • Download the My TSA app

1 week out

  • Print all confirmation emails; it doesn’t hurt to have both paper and electronic versions
  • Double check your electronic folder and update numbers and contacts as necessary
  • Take some pictures of your luggage and documents; store in a file on your phone
  • Print a list for your house or pet sitter
  • Print a letter to your home and car insurance company listing the name of the person taking care of your home
  • Print a letter for the vet, if you have a pet, allowing your pet sitter to bring your pet for treatment
  • Print a packing list

 

 

Posted on by

Have You Used These Apps?

Airport Apps

Sometimes having the right app makes your trip go easier. Have you ever used any of these?

Mobile Passport: I have not used this, but here is what the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have to say.

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and San Diego International Airport today announced the expansion of Mobile Passport Control to SAN. Mobile Passport is the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival into the United States. Eligible travelers may voluntarily submit their passport information and answers to inspection-related questions to CBP via a smartphone or tablet app prior to arrival. Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

“We continually strive to identify and implement new, more efficient ways of meeting the challenges posed by an increasingly complex mission and growing volumes in travel and trade,” said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego. “We now have Automated Passport Control kiosks, Global Entry kiosks for our trusted travelers, and the use of smart-phone and mobile technologies to enhance the traveler experience.”

“We’re excited to launch this new program in San Diego just in time for the busy summer travel season,” said Kimberly Becker, President/CEO of San Diego International Airport. “Getting through the Customs process has never been so convenient, which allows more time to enjoy everything San Diego has to offer.”

MPC currently offers U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors a more efficient in-person inspection between the CBP officer and the traveler upon arrival in the United States. Much like Automated Passport Control, the app does not require pre-approval and is free to use. Travelers who successfully use the app will no longer have to complete a paper form or use an APC kiosk. As a result, travelers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion and faster processing.

There are five easy steps to MPC:

  • Download the Mobile Passport App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store prior to arriving
  • Create a profile with your passport information
  • Complete the “New Trip” section upon arrival in the United States
  • Submit responses to inspection-related questions to CBP through the app to receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code
  • Bring your passport and smartphone or tablet with your digital bar-coded receipt to a CBP officer

Eligible travelers arriving at San Diego International Airport can begin using the app on June 1 for CBP processing. The MPC pilot launched in August 2014 for eligible travelers arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and has since expanded to 23 airports. For more information on what airports have MPC available please visit, CBP.gov/MPC.

Hotel Tonight: This app provides a shortcut to hotels near your airport. It shows available rooms, in case your flight is delayed or you need a last minute hotel.

My TSA: The MyTSA app provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. Save time and money with our helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags. With this app you can:

  • Check how busy the airport will be on your specific day and time of travel based on historical data.
  • Check the delay information and current weather conditions at your favorite airports nationwide.
  • Quickly search which items you can bring with you through the checkpoint onto the airplane.
  • Consult the TSA Guide on how to prepare for and get through the security checkpoint quickly.
  • Discover which airports and airlines support TSA Pre✓®, and learn how to sign-up.
  • Request live assistance from TSA through the AskTSA social media integration.

Google Translate: I use this for more than just at the airport. But, it’s handy to have if you need to find the right gate and you can’t remember your Italian.

TripIt and TripCase: These are travel itinerary apps that contain almost all details of a trip, including flight, car rental, lodging, and other details. The air travel information includes flight times, flight and booking numbers, seat assignments, terminal and gate information, and more.

I like to have all my information in one place, so this works well for me. You can set up notifications on your phone. Then 24 hours before your flight, the app will prompt you to check in online.

Gate Guru: This app helps when you need to get through the terminal efficiently. I feel it’s fairly up-to-date and useful in most airports. I’ve also noticed the security wait times tend to be a little off…sometimes longer, sometimes shorter.

Your Airline App: It’s always a good idea to have your airline app. It’s a quick way to see what’s going on with flight information, seat assignments, etc.

To my knowledge, these are available for both Android and IOS systems.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by

Is Your Airport Listed?

I just read an article relating to the 50 busiest airports in the US. These are based on numbers related to on-time arrival data from the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2008 to 2017.

Most of the delays occurred in summer, with last summer having some of the highest increases.

Here are the findings:

Newark Liberty International (New Jersey) was worst for summer delays with an on-time arrival rate of just 67 percent, according to the report. The others in the bottom 10, with an on-time arrival rate ranging from 68 to about 75 percent, are LaGuardia (New York), San Francisco International, John F. Kennedy International (New York), Logan International (Boston), O’Hare International (Chicago), Miami International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Raleigh-Durham (North Carolina) and Philadelphia International.

The airports with the best on-time arrivals, ranging from 80 to 88 percent, were Honolulu International (Hawaii), Salt Lake City International (Utah), John Wayne Airport (Orange County, Calif.), Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Portland International (Oregon), Minneapolis-St. Paul International, San Jose International (California) and McCarran International (Las Vegas).

Do you regularly use any of those airports? Or, will you be flying into them this summer?

What can you do? These may help…especially if you have choices on flying.

Check the weather. Is severe weather forecast? How about fog or anything else that may delay the arrival?

Try for an early morning flight before delays start to affect the entire day.

Don’t forget to check security regulations if you have questions.

 

 

Posted on by

New TSA Screening Regs

 

Did you know, starting June 30, foreign airports will be examining your carry-on bags more carefully? Why? Powder.

A new TSA regulation will ask that travelers headed to the U.S. from another country remove powdered substances from their bags to be carefully checked, as agents currently do with liquids, and be prepared to either discard the powder or check their bag.

The reason, of course, is the fear of improvised explosive devices, which can sometimes involve powdery substances.

To avoid extra scrutiny, anyone traveling with more than 12 ounces of powder, which could include makeup, baby-related products, food, and other substances, should put the powder in a checked bag.

Posted on by

Drugs? I don’t have any drugs…

But…you might be carrying something you don’t consider a drug that is actually a drug in another country.

Did you realize some popular prescription and over-the-counter drugs are illegal in some countries? Things like pain relief, better sleep, allergies and even the common cold medicines.

The United Arab Emirates and Japan, for example, are among the most restrictive nations. However, other countries ban or restrict importing narcotics, sedatives, amphetamines, and others.

Most travelers won’t run into problems for carrying small amounts for personal use, said Katherine L. Harmon, who oversees health analysis for iJET International, a travel risk management company. But noncompliance can result in confiscation, (which could, in turn, have severe medical consequences), deportation, jail time, and even the death penalty. “Does it happen a lot? No. Could it? Yes,” Ms. Harmon said. “Consumers need to understand this and how it might adversely impact them before they book that awesome trip to an exotic location.”

Plan Ahead

Laws vary by country and there is no central, up-to date repository. It would be best to consult with your physician, travel medical insurance company, or local pharmacist four to six weeks before traveling. Another good thing to do is to check with the embassy of your destination country. The State Department website lists foreign embassies in the United States, and their contact information.

Be sure to label and pack all you medication properly and easy to read. Carry all your medication, including vitamins and supplements, in their original, clearly marked containers or packaging. Put these in a clear plastic bag in your carry-on luggage. Make sure everything including the name on the prescription, the medicine container, and your passport all match. If you lost the product information insert, ask the pharmacist to print a new one for you.

If you have any gel-type medication, let TSA know that when you go through security. You don’t need them taking it because they don’t know what it is.