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Traveler Safety and Security Tips





SECURITY

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) handles all of the baggage and passenger screening at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. TSA is pleased to help passengers prepare to travel through the airport. A passenger who knows how to pack and what to wear is going to help keep the lines moving without delay.


BAGGAGE SCREENING

You should arrive at the airport at least one hour prior to your flight departure (90 minutes prior early AM). Check in with the airline first. It is important that you do not lock your bags. TSA sometimes need a little extra sense of security. If you feel you need to lock your bag, make sure the lock is TSA-approved. Click here to see TSA "Accepted and Recognized" locks.


THE SCREENING EXPERIENCE

Everyone who travels by air goes through airport security checkpoints.  These checkpoints are operated by Transportation Security Officers from the Transportation Security Administration.

The checkpoints are there to make sure that terrorists cant bring anything aboard the plane that would enable them to take it over or destroy it. These are called prohibited items and cannot be brought to a checkpoint, into the secure area of an airport, or aboard an aircraft.

Not only do all passengers go through checkpoints, their checked baggage is also screened. This may happen out of passengers' view depending on the physical configuration at each airport.

It's a good idea to prepare before you arrive at the airport so that you move more quickly and efficiently through the security process. Here are some suggestions to help make the process as smooth as possible.


Keep Your Experience Simple


Take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets. Put these in your carry-on, or in a plastic bag. This keeps lines moving and your experience more pleasant. Try to avoid wearing anything with metal, clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal such as, heavy jewelry, clothing with metal buttons or snaps, belt buckles or under-wire bras.

Pack your coats and jackets in your baggage when possible.  All coats and jackets that you are carrying must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.  If you choose to wear an outer coat or jacket to the checkpoint, you will need to either pack it in your carry-on baggage or put it in one of the bins that are provided.

You may be additionally screened because of hidden items such as body piercings, which alarmed the metal detector.  If you are selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down search.


Travel Tips To Make Your Screening Experience Hassle-Free

  • The secret to getting through security smoothly is to de-clutter your carry-on bag. This lets Transportation Security Officers get a clear, uncomplicated X-ray image of your carry-on. 
  • When possible, keep packing liquids in checked baggage. You will get through security faster.
  • Limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.
Items purchased in the secure boarding area are for use on the immediate flight. If you must leave the secure boarding area and re-enter through the screening checkpoint, items exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) that are not in the zip-top bag will again be prohibited.

The ban on liquids, aerosols and gels was implemented after a terrorist plot was foiled. Since then, experts from around the government, including the FBI and TSA's national labs have analyzed the information they now have and have conducted extensive explosives testing to get a better understanding of this specific threat. These changes are intended to enhance security and balance human needs because they have a better understanding of the threat and security risks associated with liquids, aerosols and gels.

In addition, TSA will be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification, deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal, and screening by observation techniques.


HOW TO GET THROUGH THE LINE FASTER

Passengers are asked to bear in mind the following advice to help make their passage through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Pack Smart
  • Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers a layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see what's in your bag. Innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they're packed.
  • Do not pack oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in your checked baggage when possible. However, please be advised that you will be required to remove these items from your carry-on bag and submit them separately for x-ray screening. Click here for "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag procedures. Small electronics, such as iPods, can remain in your carry-on.
  • Prepare your 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag of liquids before arriving at the airport. For more information on liquid rules: 3-1-1 for carry-ons, click here.
  • Pack all your coats and jackets in your checked baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.
  • Do not wrap gifts. If a Security Officer needs to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap your gift. Please wait until you've reached your final destination to wrap gifts.
  • Film. Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag. You will be able to declare film that is faster than 800-speed to a Transportation Security Officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.
  • When in doubt, leave it out. If you're not sure about whether you can bring an item through the checkpoint, put it in your checked bag or leave it at home. Click here to see the list of prohibited items.
Dress the Part

Transportation Security Officers have to identify any metal that is detected at the checkpoint. If the metal detector alarms when you pass through, you will be required to undergo additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection.

Items that might set off an alarm on the metal detector include:
  • Keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)
  • Heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties)
  • Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
  • Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
  • Belt buckles
  • Under-wire bras
Body Piercings. Certain metal body piercings may cause you to alarm at the metal detector, which will result in you getting additional screening. If additional screening is required, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.

Head Coverings. You are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process. You may be directed to additional screening if your headwear or clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items. For more information, click here.

Shoes. Travelers are required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector at all U.S. airports and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection. This allows Security Officers to see if the shoes have been tampered with in any way.

Have the Following Ready

The items you'll need to present to a Transportation Security Officer at the checkpoint are:
  • Boarding pass
  • Identification (click here to see a list of acceptable IDs)
TSA encourages each adult traveler to keep his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID available until exiting the security checkpoint (children are not required to show identification).

If you do not have identification (if it is lost, stolen, etc.), you will be required to provide the Document Checking Officer with some information to help verify your identity. This will slow down your screening process and will result in additional screening.

Hassle-Free Security Tips
  • Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
  • Wear slip-on shoes. This will allow you to take them off and put them back on quickly, without having to sit down.
  • Pets. Please remove all animals from their carrying cases and send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
  • Children. Please take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector. For more information on traveling with children, click here
  • Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing your flight. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.
Helpful Videos

Make your screening experience as smooth as possible. Select a video to help you understand the screening process.

Have a safe trip and enjoy your flight!



PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES & MEDICAL CONDITIONS

One of the primary goals of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to provide the highest level of security and customer service to all who pass through the screening checkpoints. Current policies and procedures focus on ensuring that all passengers, regardless of their personal situations and needs, are treated equally and with the dignity, respect, and courtesy they deserve. Although every person and item must be screened before entering each secure boarding area, it is the manner in which the screening is conducted that is most important.

In order to achieve that goal, TSA has established a program for screening of persons with disabilities and their associated equipment, mobility aids, and devices. The program covers all categories of disabilities (mobility, hearing, visual, and hidden). As part of that program, a coalition of over 70 disability-related groups and organizations was established to help TSA understand the concerns of persons with disabilities and medical conditions. These groups have assisted TSA with integrating the unique needs of persons with disabilities into TSA's airport operations.

Since the initial total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols took effect, TSA has learned enough from the UK investigation to say with confidence that small, travel size liquids are safe to bring through security checkpoints in limited numbers. TSA is confident in their increased security measures throughout the airport. Therefore, passengers can purchase drinks in the secure boarding area and bring them aboard their flights.

TSA's checkpoint security screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions have not changed as a result of the current threat situation. All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.

Additionally, TSA is continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. This includes:
  • All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
  • Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
  • Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
  • Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
  • Frozen items are allowed as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 requirements.
However, if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the Transportation Security Officer. A declaration can be made verbally, in writing, or by a person's companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member.

Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening.

For more information on these measures, please read the letter outlining this policy -- Changes in Allowances for Persons with Disabilities at Airport Security Checkpoints

Disability-related items permitted through the security checkpoint include:
  • Wheelchairs
  • Scooters
  • Crutches
  • Canes
  • Walkers
  • Prosthetic devices
  • Casts
  • Support braces
  • Support appliances
  • Service animals
  • Baby apnea monitors
  • Orthopedic shoes
  • Exterior medical devices
  • Assistive/adaptive equipment
  • Augmentation devices
  • Ostomy supplies
  • CPAP machines & respirators
  • Hearing aids
  • Cochlear implants
  • Tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly
  • Personal supplemental oxygen
  • CO2 personal oxygen concentrators
  • Tools for prosthetic devices
  • Medications and associated supplies
  • Braille note takers
  • Slate and stylus
  • All diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies
  • Any other disability-related equipment and associated supplies
Please refer to the links below to assist you as you make travel preparations: TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN


Every person, regardless of age (even babies), must undergo screening before they can go through the security checkpoint.

You will not be asked to do anything that will separate you from your child or children.

TSA specially trains their Security Officers and they understand your concern for your children. Security Officers will approach your children gently and treat them with respect. If your child becomes uncomfortable or upset, Security Officers will consult you about the best way to relieve your child's concern.

NEVER leave babies in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine.

Ad Council Video




The Screening Process


At the X-Ray
  • All carry-on baggage, including children's bags and items, must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: diaper bags, blankets and toys.
  • All child-related equipment that will fit through the X-ray machine must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats, backpacks, and baby slings.
  • When you arrive at the checkpoint, collapse or fold your child-related equipment. Secure items that are in the pockets, baskets or attached to the equipment, and place it on the X-ray belt for inspection. Plastic bins are provided to deposit such items.
  • If any of your child-related equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, Security Officers will visually and physically inspect it.
  • Ask a Security Officer for help gathering your bags and child-related equipment, if you need it.
The Walk-Through Metal Detector

If your child can walk without your assistance, it is recommended that you and your child walk through the metal detector separately. If you are carrying your child through the metal detector and the alarm sounds, a Security Officer will have to additionally screen both you and your child.
  • Remove babies and children from their strollers or infant carriers so that Security Officers can screen them individually.
  • You may not pass the child to another person behind you or in front of you during this process.
  • Do not pass your child to the Security Officer to hold.
  • The Security Officer may ask for your help screening your child.
Travel Tips

Before You Reach the Airport
  • Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children.
  • Call your airline or travel agent for their recommended check-in times for your departure airport.
  • Talk to your children before you come to the airport and let them know that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines.
At the Airport
  • Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them to not joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
  • Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
  • Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back, as well.
  • You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
Children with a Disability

Parents or guardians of children with disabilities should...
  • Inform the Security Officer if the child has any special needs or medical devices.
  • Inform the Security Officer if you think the child may become upset during the screening process as a result of their disability.
  • Offer suggestions on how to best accomplish the screening to minimize any confusion or outburst for the child.
  • Ask the Security Officer for assistance during the process by helping you put your and the child's carry-on items on the X-ray belt.
  • Know that at no time during the screening process will you be separated from your child.
  • Know that if a private screening is required, you should escort and remain with your child during the private screening process.
  • Tell the Security Officer what are your child's abilities are. For example: can the child stand slightly away from equipment to be hand-wanded, walk through the metal detector, or needs to be carried through the metal detector by the parent/guardian.
  • Know that all no time should the Security Officer remove your child from his/her mobility aid (wheelchair or scooter). You are responsible for removing your child from his/her equipment at your discretion to accomplish screening.
  • Know that if your child is unable to walk or stand, the Security Officer will conduct a pat-down search of your child while he/she remains in their mobility aid, as well as a visual and physical inspection of their equipment.


TSA Contact Center

If you would like to pass on any positive feedback or concerns to TSA regarding your experience, feel free to contact a screener supervisor while you're at the airport.

You may also contact the TSA Contact Center by e-mailing TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

TSA takes all input very seriously and will respond promptly and appropriately to all complaints or comments.




THE SCREENING PROCESS

A primary goal of TSA is to treat all passengers with courtesy, dignity, and respect during the security screening processes. In support of this goal, TSA has trained its Security Officers in the proper treatment of passengers and their belongings. That specialized training includes accommodating passengers with special needs. TSA has  conducted outreach to religious and disability organizations to ensure that their Security Officers are sensitive to all passengers.

The Process
TSA has established procedures to minimize the intrusiveness of the screening process for passengers. Though you may be unfamiliar with some of these changes please be assured that they are all based on sound security protocol.

Private Screening
Your screening may include a hand-wanding procedure and pat-down inspection. You may request a private area for your personal screening. The private area will either be a separate room or an area out of the view of the general public.

Same-Gender Screening
If you are asked to undergo a personal screening you will be provided a Security Officer of the same gender except in extraordinary circumstances. In some cases, you may have to wait for a Security Officer of your gender to conduct the screening. You will be advised if the wait will be more than a few minutes.

Private Baggage Screening
If it is necessary to open your checked or carry-on baggage, TSA will make every effort to do so discretely. At most airports there are tables with sidewalls to protect your privacy.

TIP:
We recommend that you think carefully about what private items you place in your carry-on or checked baggage since your baggage may be opened and searched.

Passengers with Disabilities or Medical Concerns
If you have a disability medical concern or other special circumstance please refer to the Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions section of the TSA website for details on what you can expect at the passenger security checkpoint.

You are encouraged to communicate with the Security Officer both before and during the screening process so that the Security Officer is aware of your situation at all times.

While the procedure may differ slightly in order to accommodate your situation the same level and rigor of screening that is maintained for all passengers will be maintained.

Discrimination

If you believe that you have been discriminated against by a Transportation Security Administration employee on the basis of: race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation, you may submit in writing an explanation of the complaint, including: the name of the airport, your flight information, date/time of the incident, and, if possible, the name of the employee to:

Transportation Security Administration
Director, Office of Civil Rights
601 South 12th Street - West Tower, TSA-6
Arlington, VA 20598
Attn: External Programs Division

If you need additional information, you may contact the Office of Civil Rights toll-free at 1-877-EEO-4TSA (4872). If you leave your name, number and best time to call you back, someone will return your call.



Safety Reminder

Do not leave bags unattended. Unattended bags will be immediately confiscated and may be destroyed. Report any unattended items to airport personnel immediately.