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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

TSA Releases 2018 Summer Travel Tips

Source: Office of Civil Rights & Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

On behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), I am writing to share some important tips to help you better prepare for security screening and to help TSA keep wait times to a minimum at our Nation’s airport screening checkpoints for the 2018 summer travel season.  Here are a few things you can do:

  • Arrive early to get through security screening—two hours early for domestic and three hours early for international flights. Check with your airline and airport to determine wait times during peak periods. The MyTSA App is also a great resource to help figure out when you should get to the airport.
  • Consider checking your bag: more people and more bags may lead to longer wait times.
  • For your carry-on bag – make sure it’s well organized. It takes time for TSA officers to make sure a cluttered or overstuffed bag is safe.
  • Examples of personal electronic items that would be scanned separately include laptops and electronics larger than a cell phone.  This includes tablets, e-readers, and cameras. Additionally, TSA may provide instructions to remove items from your bag such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct X-ray images.
  • Know the 3-1-1 rule: TSA’s 3-1-1 is shorthand for the liquids rule. Basically, limit your liquids, gels, aerosols and pastes to no more than 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, in 1 bag that’s no bigger than 1 quart. Medically-necessary liquids may exceed this limit, but must be declared prior to commencement of screening. All liquids, including liquids declared as medically-necessary, must be screened.
  • If you must travel with it, know how to safely pack your gun in checked baggage—and NEVER bring it to the TSA checkpoint: Transporting Firearms.
  • Get through the line faster with TSA Precheck, which lets you leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on while you go through security. You can also leave your laptop and your liquids in your bag. It costs $85 for five years.
  • TSA Cares is a helpline for travelers who want to prepare for the screening process prior to flying. TSA Cares is toll free at 1-855-787-2227 or Federal Relay 711. Travelers may also request the assistance of a Passenger Support Specialist for security screening at TSA Cares.
  • The TSA Disability Notification Card can be used to discreetly notify TSA Officers at security screening of a disability or medical condition and request an accommodation.
  • For general inquiries and questions, visit TSA.gov  or contact us through the TSA Contact Center (TCC) at [email protected], or by phone at 866-289-9673 or Federal Relay 711. For additional travel tips, read TSA’s 5 Essential Summer Travel Tips  and follow @AskTSA and @TSA on Twitter and Facebook.

TSA works hard every day to ensure that you and your loved ones arrive at your destinations safely. TSA remains committed to ensuring that all travelers are treated with respect, dignity and courtesy. Have a great summer!

Sincerely,

Christine Griggs

Acting Assistant Administrator

Comments

  1. helen murphy says

    there should be half fare for all transportation for the disabled and elderly across the board

  2. there should be a rent freeze for disabled seniors in HUD housing, and across the board half fare on all para transit transportation for seniors who are disabled,