SALT LAKE CITY – An estimated 24 million passengers will fly during the Thanksgiving holiday. Hold ups at the airport are common during the holidays, that’s why the Transportation Security Administration is urging passengers to be prepared for screenings by knowing revised rules.
Earlier in 2012, TSA made changes to long standing policies, making it easier for some to get through security screenings. Managers say travelers who only fly during the holidays may not know they exist.
"Passengers who prepare for the screening procedures before they reach the checkpoint will help make the process easier for themselves and other passengers,” says TSA Federal Security Director Vera Adams.
Some of those changes include allowing children and elderly passengers to leave shoes on. If you’re under 12 or over 75, you don’t have to take off your shoes during security screenings. Those low-risk passengers can also leave on a light-weight jacket.
The policy regarding liquids remains unchanged. TSA limits the amount of liquid passengers can carry through security to three ounces or less, in a quart-sized, clear plastic zip-top bag.
If you’re carrying gifts, TSA says don’t wrap them. An agent may need to inspect what’s inside and that means unwrapping the gift. TSA recommends bringing wrapping paper with you, or use gift bags.
Most important, give yourself plenty of time to get through lines., and be patient with possible hang ups.
More tips on navigating airport security during the holidays can be found on TSA’s website here.
