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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 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
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:
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:
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
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:
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:
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
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.
Before You Reach the Airport
Parents or guardians of children with disabilities should...
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. |