TSA ???? - terror threat

[dansyr]

With the awareness level for a terror threat now increased to high risk,how will this affect air travel ??? We will be flying the
beginning of March, is there anything we should be aware of to make getting through security easier for everyone?

Thanks in advance

 

[Bildmouse]

Do not lock your luggage - if you are worried about your zippers not staying closed use keyrings. These can be purchased in craft sections of stores. When we traveled in January I used ziploc bags for our clothes. If they open your luggage to check it you don't have someone making a mess of your clothes. We were in Mexico and they didn't have the new machines set up and were going through all suitcases. If your luggage gets damaged you won't have everything laying everywhere (this happened to someone on our last trip). When you go through security everything including coats have to go through the scanners. They even suggested taking off dress shoes and boots because they were causing the walk thru scanners to go off. Have your tickets and id ready individually. Hope this helps!

 

[doombuggy]

You mentioned using ziplock bags for your clothes. I went one step better and bought a set of storage bags from QVC (I have also seen then at the AAA store and places like Bed Bath & Beyond). These range in size from small (great for socks & small stuff like that) to Jumbo. I use them mostly for storing my off season clothes, but I am taking my grama down in May, and must drive down to VA (we are leaving from Regan Nat'l). We are going to share two bags, so having these storage bags will really help. i found when I used them for the first time last October that I fit alot more in my lugagge than normal (must watch the weight of the luggage, though, now they charge extra if over a certain weight).

 

[dansyr]

I bought these bags also but found for summer type clothing I actually fit more in my suitcase without using them. They are great for bulkier items though.

 

[Bildmouse]

When I used the ziplock bags it squeezed all the air out of them while closing and I was able to fit a lot into my suitcase. They are cheaper than the storage bags!

 

[mom_rules]

I heard that the scanners are so sensitive now that they can even be set off by body piercings and underwire bras and if you set it off they will search you.

Here's a site that might help:
http://www.airsafe.com/issues/security.htm

A few other tips from Deb's site
http://wdwig.com/ddol_61302.htm

 

[khawk]

I asked a simular question on another site and was given this website to go to...very helpful

www.tsa.gov/public/theme_home1.jsp

hope you can get into it.
Kim

 

[DebbieB]

I just got home from a 3 night trip to WDW. I used twist ties on my luggage instead of locks. If you twist them tight your luggage will not open. You have an extra step now, you have to take your luggage to a scanner after checking in at the counter/kiosk. I noticed increased security personnel at both airports (PIT/MCO) but got through with no problems. At PIT you no longer have to show ID at the gate or check-in, just at security, we are on the list of cities with updated security. At MCO I had to show it at check-in, security & the gate, they are not on the list. We also noticed police cars patrolling the gate area outside when we pulled in at PIT tonight.

 

[April in Disney]

Hi hills and Boots. I know they were mentioned in here, but if you have to wear them take them off and let them go through the scanner. According to a female security they have a metal inside them that makes the scanning mechine go off. No food item inside luggage or they will open your luggage for sure. Carry them inside the plane.

 

[sammi]

April in Disney can you tell me if tea and sweetner packages would consitute as "food"? I always take my box of Tetley tea with me and my artificial sweetner packages and usually they go in my checked-in luggage. Do you think I should put that kind of stuff in my carry on instead?

Thanks!

 

[Coastie]

You CAN lock your luggage... however, here is the catch, you must stay in the screening area until your bag has gone through the x-ray machine and the TSA guard gives you the thumbs up. My recent trip to New Orleans was no problem with locked luggage. Just show up about 30-45 earlier to beat the rush. If you leave, and your luggage is locked, TSA will break it, inspect, then they are suppose to place a tie-wrap/wire tie where the lock use to be. In any case, if you are in a rush, do NOT lock your luggage... you may end up receiving a page to report to the screening area!

 

[candleonwater]

We ran into the tightened security back in December in DC. It wasn't an option to wait for your screened luggage, or not... you couldn't get your boarding pass until your luggage was cleared. My 6 yo DD had to take her shoes off and put them through x-ray - turns out they had metal in the arch. I was really surprised on the return trip that MCO didn't have these same measures, but when I asked at security the guy seemed surprised that I knew about it... and once I told him what I had gone through at DCA... he told me they were instituting similar measures Jan 1. I didn't notice it really slowing us down, though...

Also, as far as locking my luggage... I never have. I figure any valuables I have will be in my carry on... anyone wants to steal my clothes... go for it!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I think the Original Poster is asking if there are any additional requirments since we are now at Threat Level Orange. As far as I know, the TSA within ticketing and screening is still the same. However, security at the airport itself has changed (mandates from Homeland Security). These new security measures differ airport to airport and many are choosing not to comment on them at this time. You may notice things like vehicles being searched within 300 ft. of the terminal.