TSA: More screening measures
If you are traveling to the U.S. from Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, or Yemen, expect a Transportation Security Administration official to give you a full-body pat-down and to check your carryon luggage. Why? According to a Jan. 4 Associated Press story, "The U.S. has designated Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria to be state sponsors of terrorism. The other 10 countries are considered 'of interest.' People from there or traveling through there could also be subject to full-body scanning and explosive detection technology as part of their screening."
The Problem Solver would like to offer some tips on how travelers might endure this extra security while maintaining (at least some of) their sanity.
First, arrive earlier than you'd normally plan. Delta suggests that passengers to arrive three hours early to the airport due to the increase in security screening.
Below are some everyday tips from TSA.gov on how to get through security lines more quickly. These are not in response to the recent increased security measures, but they are tips that can't really hurt to follow no matter the circumstances:
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.
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)Wear slip-on shoes. This will allow you to take them off and put them back on quickly, without having to sit down.
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
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.
Chicago Tribune
I wonder what they know to put Cuba on the list?
Why isn't there a cavity search on the list?
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