Think you know everything you need to in regards to getting through airport security screening areas without a problem? Then you are in the minority. According to a new report by the Transportation Security Administration, a number of air travelers are still in the dark about certain restrictions.
Given this I thought it might be a good time to offer this review:
BATTERIES
As I mentioned in a previous blog, on January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation implemented a new restriction on how batteries can be carried on planes. Passengers can no longer pack loose batteries (meaning those not installed in electronic devices) in checked bags. However, you are allowed to carry an unlimited amount of loose batteries in your carry-on bags. If you plan to carry loose batteries the TSA “strongly recommends” that you transport them in their original packaging. If not you are being asked to pack them in individual Ziploc bags.
WEAPONS
Guns, knives, machetes, chain saws and other dangerous items are not allowed on airplanes. Seems like common sense, but TSA agents say you wouldn’t believe how many travelers try to transport the aforementioned items through airport security checkpoints.
A bit of good news: TSA screeners say post-9/11 they spend less time confiscating pocketknives from passengers’ carry-on bags. Security agents say they still intercept about 3,000 knives a day (that’s down considerably from two years ago), mainly from travelers who forget to take them out of their bags or don’t realize they are barred.
As far as guns are concerned, TSA agents say more than 1,000 guns are confiscated each year. If a passenger tries to take a gun through security screening areas he or she is usually fined $3,000.
SCISSORS
In late 2005 the TSA lifted a ban on small scissors and blunt tools such as pliers.
LIGHTERS
In August 2007, the TSA lifted a ban on carrying lighters in airplane cabins.
Screeners say they confiscated 11.6 million lighters in 2006 and 5 million of them in the first seven months of 2007.
PETS
In the past two years security screeners have found a baby alligator strapped under a traveler’s pants, a boa constrictor coiled in someone’s shoe going through an X-ray machine and numerous tarantulas. All of the creatures were reportedly pets the owners wanted to carry on board the plane.
The majority of airlines follow the same rules when it comes to transporting dogs and cats as carry-ons. The animals need to be under 20 pounds and the carry-on dimensions of the pet carrier must be no larger than 20-inches long, 13-inches wide, and 9-inches tall, and the animal must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier.
LIQUIDS AND GELS
In 2006 authorities disrupted an alleged plot to bomb airplanes with liquid explosives. As a result, the TSA imposed liquid restrictions that have since been revised in the past year. If you are toting items such as baby oil, lip gloss, or hand lotion (previously, those liquids have been confiscated at security checkpoints) in your carry-on, you must now limit the containers to 3-ounce sizes and all of the items must fit in a clear, 1-quart size zippered plastic bag.
To review what items are allowed on board an aircraft click on the titles below.
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