airport security procedures

[Heidi K]

I haven't flown in almost 6 years--please remind me of airport security procedures. We fly out of Buffalo.

This is what I remember--correct me if wrong:

• at security, we will need to take off our shoes & put them in a little bin to go through the Xray machines; we walk through shoe-less
• also must remove laptop (and other electronic devices?) from carry-ons and put them through separately (will this include a Kindle?)
• liquids must each be in a 3 ounce container; all such containers must be in a quart-sized Ziploc bag--does this also get removed from the carry-on and sent through separately?
• does toothpaste count as a liquid? lotion? applesauce/yogurt? (we're bringing a lunch on the plane)

Please share any other tips or reminders!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Go here and start reading:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information

 

[maxiesmom]

Anything that doesn't hold it's shape outside of the container is considered a liquid. So applesauce and yogurt are both liquids and you can only have them in 3 oz packages, and they must go into your quart sized baggie. Toothpaste too. Each ticketed passenger gets their own baggie. And yes, they want those baggies placed into a bin, on top of whatever else is in that bin.

 

[Heidi K]

Anything that doesn't hold it's shape outside of the container is considered a liquid.

Good explanation; thanks!

 

[CPT Tripss]

Anything that doesn't hold it's shape outside of the container is considered a liquid. So applesauce and yogurt are both liquids and you can only have them in 3 oz packages, and they must go into your quart sized baggie. Toothpaste too. Each ticketed passenger gets their own baggie. And yes, they want those baggies placed into a bin, on top of whatever else is in that bin.

Except that some things such as talcum powder and bath salts that don't hold their shape are OK.

 

[goofy4tink]

Except that some things such as talcum powder and bath salts that don't hold their shape are OK.

Ummm, that would be a 'liquid'..which includes gel. Not solids..both talcum and bath salts are solids. Seriously? Cheerios don't hold their 'shape' once out of the box!

 

[ParrotBill]

There are two types of scanners. Traditional metal scanners and the new full body scanners.

Take off all metal including belt buckles. Wear a bra with no underwire or a plastic underwire or you risk a more detailed search.

For the full body scanners take EVERYTHING out of your pockets and put in carry one, even pieces of paper and paper money. ANYTHING triggers a search.

Despite that, you could be tagged for a random search and asked to step aside. You might be wanded or you might be subject to a pat down.

Laptop PCs must be taken out and placed in a bin. those, and other electronics may need to be turned on to demonstrate they work. I don't know exactly how that is done, it happened the the day after I last
traveled.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Most recent reports are that electronics subject to being turned on only on flights into the US that originate from foreign airports so that probably won't be an issue.

GfT . . . There have been posters wondering whether they can bring their Bare Minerals make up. Don't recall any similar questions about cereals. Maybe on the budget board?

 

[goofy4tink]

Most recent reports are that electronics subject to being turned on only on flights into the US that originate from foreign airports so that probably won't be an issue.

GfT . . . There have been posters wondering whether they can bring their Bare Minerals make up. Don't recall any similar questions about cereals. Maybe on the budget board?

 

[GillianP1301]

The TSA link should cover all your questions.

I put all electronics out of cases into one bin (including phone, tablets, etc...). Be sure they are charged, you may be asked to power it on (has never happened to me). I also don't wear any jewellery/watch or belt when I'm flying (other than my wedding rings, which I have never taken off and never had an issue) so that I'm not having to spend the extra time taking stuff off an putting it back on.

Last time we flew, my 6 year old did not have to take off his shoes, but I did. Not sure if that's still the same or not.

I don't carry on any liquids, I can't be bothered with the little containers and ziploc bag. I honestly think the less carry on the best these days, that way I don't have to worry about what is acceptable and what's not.

I had an empty sippy cup for my son one year and they had me pull that out and it had to be swabbed and tested. There was no issue, I was just a bit surprised by that since it was empty.

At our airport Toronto YYZ, there is somebody stationed outside the security check running down the procedures, what to have ready, what can be left in the bag, what can't, etc... Very helpful and available there for specific questions as well.

 

[bumbershoot]

The size for liquids is 3.4 oz, not 3. In other words, 100 ml. It's actually a rather generous size. IMO. He. Again I have two guys traveling with me so I usually get to snag part or all of their baggies for my stuff. "My stuff" includes decanted sunscreen for the most part, which their skin doesn't need quite as much as mine. Also includes my shampoo since my hair is picky and theirs is not. So it's easy for me to say it's a generous size, I suppose.

Most airports I've been through don't care about tablets and ebook readers. Some do. They will let you know in words or signage OR you can catch the eye of an agent and ask what their airport wants. With a big smile on my face and being chipper and polite, I've gotten kind responses to the question.

 

[dmband]

My top three tsa for show rules...
1 - Just flew July 4th and loved when they took my small unopened water bottle yet the guy with a lighter in his pocket walked through undetected
2- in 04 they took my brothers nail clippers yet were selling them in the gift show after you passed security. Joking asked the clerk if they sell the pairs taken from passengers and if it made any sense to sell them when they take them away at screening. He said the loophole is that they are for people arriving, not leaving
3 - under 12 and some seniors don't need to take off their shoes
Yeah because anyone crazy enough to put explosives or something in their shoes wouldn't be crazy enough to do it in their kids

As with most security check points, including Disney bag checks, it's mostly for show
Don't count on them keeping you safe

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't think the American people would accept real security.

 

[epsmith921]

I second the advice to put everything under the sun into the carryon bag. My husband used to have the worst time with change, belt, etc going through the metal detector a million times (this was before the body scanners and groping). Once he figured out to just throw all that stuff including his belt and wallet into my purse or a carryon, our security experience was much faster and easier.

I think we've taken out laptops and tablets but not had to take out cell phones or small gaming devices like the old Playstation portables. They are mostly interested in the larger electronics like laptops or portable DVD players.

 

[CPT Tripss]

My top three tsa for show rules...
1 - Just flew July 4th and loved when they took my small unopened water bottle yet the guy with a lighter in his pocket walked through undetected
2- in 04 they took my brothers nail clippers yet were selling them in the gift show after you passed security. Joking asked the clerk if they sell the pairs taken from passengers and if it made any sense to sell them when they take them away at screening. He said the loophole is that they are for people arriving, not leaving
3 - under 12 and some seniors don't need to take off their shoes
Yeah because anyone crazy enough to put explosives or something in their shoes wouldn't be crazy enough to do it in their kids

As with most security check points, including Disney bag checks, it's mostly for show
Don't count on them keeping you safe

.

I don't think the American people would accept real security.

Sadly I disagree . . . the acceptance, and support, of intrusive ineffective methods indicate otherwise.

 

[crazymomof4]

I haven't flown in almost 6 years--please remind me of airport security procedures. We fly out of Buffalo.

This is what I remember--correct me if wrong:

• at security, we will need to take off our shoes & put them in a little bin to go through the Xray machines; we walk through shoe-less
• also must remove laptop (and other electronic devices?) from carry-ons and put them through separately (will this include a Kindle?)
• liquids must each be in a 3 ounce container; all such containers must be in a quart-sized Ziploc bag--does this also get removed from the carry-on and sent through separately?
• does toothpaste count as a liquid? lotion? applesauce/yogurt? (we're bringing a lunch on the plane)

Please share any other tips or reminders!

Subbing bc I haven't flown in over 30 years!!!!
I need more than a "reminder"...need a full course.... Flying 101

 

[Heidi K]

Thanks for the info! I had not even thought about emptying our pockets. My 5-year-old is always shoving matchbox cars and whatnot in his, so I'll remember to move everything into the carryon.

The last time we flew with our son (now 8) he was 2 & had to remove his shoes. It would be nice if it's just the adults who have to remove shoes this time, since we now have 3 kids, and I can just see myself gathering Crocs from all over the airport and putting them back on their feet.

Anyone know about icepacks? We are planning to bring a little soft-sided cooler with some snacks since our flight is right at the kids' dinner time.

 

[maxiesmom]

Thanks for the info! I had not even thought about emptying our pockets. My 5-year-old is always shoving matchbox cars and whatnot in his, so I'll remember to move everything into the carryon.

The last time we flew with our son (now 8) he was 2 & had to remove his shoes. It would be nice if it's just the adults who have to remove shoes this time, since we now have 3 kids, and I can just see myself gathering Crocs from all over the airport and putting them back on their feet.

Anyone know about icepacks? We are planning to bring a little soft-sided cooler with some snacks since our flight is right at the kids' dinner time.

Your kids won't have to take their shoes off.

Ice packs are a no-go. Many people freeze things like a bag of peas or something to use in place of ice.

 

[krissyh]

Two years ago, flying out of BUF, I had my watch on (I always wear one and it was never an issue). After going through the scanner (wearing a tight turtleneck and leggins as I was told to remove my long sweater), I was told I needed a pat down (of course, I thought the scanner was in lieu of a pat down) because of my left arm. By the end of the explanation, a female agent was there as I was pulling up my sleeve to show my watch. She patted my arm and told me to have a nice day.

Last year, flying out of BUF (without any jewelry or belt) I started to take my shoes off and was told to keep them on. While going through security in TPA at come back, I yelled at for both leaving my shoes (ballet flats) on and taking my watch off to put it in the bin.

So - plan of taking the shoes off (I bring socks in my purse if it is sandal weather), don't wear a belt and put all of your jewelry in a baggie to put on at the gate.

 

[crazymomof4]

Two years ago, flying out of BUF, I had my watch on (I always wear one and it was never an issue). After going through the scanner (wearing a tight turtleneck and leggins as I was told to remove my long sweater), I was told I needed a pat down (of course, I thought the scanner was in lieu of a pat down) because of my left arm. By the end of the explanation, a female agent was there as I was pulling up my sleeve to show my watch. She patted my arm and told me to have a nice day.

Last year, flying out of BUF (without any jewelry or belt) I started to take my shoes off and was told to keep them on. While going through security in TPA at come back, I yelled at for both leaving my shoes (ballet flats) on and taking my watch off to put it in the bin.

So - plan of taking the shoes off (I bring socks in my purse if it is sandal weather), don't wear a belt and put all of your jewelry in a baggie to put on at the gate.

Thanks for this heads up! I wear a waterproof watch 24/7 and in my mind it's like part of my body. I probably wouldn't think to remove it as I don't think of it as "jewelry".