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Pack Smart for Today's Airport Security
Sew Many Options Tours

A Packing Update Following September 11 Tragedy
from Susan Foster, packing expert and author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler 

To field the many questions I've received about packing for easy passage through airport security in light of the recent disaster and consequent changes, I have discussed packing options with airlines, airports, and government agencies. 

The Facts: 
1. There is increased passenger and baggage security screenings at all airports. 
2. Luggage check-in procedures have been changed. 

• There is no check-in at curbside, city ticket offices, or anywhere else outside the airport. You must check your bags yourself. 
•  Luggage may be checked at the airport no more than 4 hours prior to flight time. 

3. Additional baggage restrictions are in effect.

•  No knives or cutting instruments of any size will be allowed in the aircraft cabin. Pocket knives may be carried only in checked baggage. 
•  No sharp objects of any kind or size will be allowed through security checkpoints - including scissors, razor blades, corkscrews, multipurpose tools, even metal nail files or knitting needles. They will be confiscated. However, you may pack these items in your checked baggage. 

4. There is heightened vigilance for identifying and confiscating unattended bags. What This Means For You -- Increased Security. In addition to electronic scanning of baggage (both checked and carry-on), airline front desk personnel and security check-point guards will randomly open and check bags. 

•  Pack a large container of patience plus a book or magazine to pass the extra waiting time. 
•  Remember to carry a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license and/or passport. 
• Pack bags so contents are easily examined. Use see-through bags to speed hand checking of cosmetics or groups of clothing. If you use an opaque bag, it takes longer because the security employee must unzip and search the contents and you will have to repack everything. 
• To speed hand searches, select a bag with one large open space rather than many compartments and don't fill any small pockets.
• Passenger screening equipment has been reset to lower tolerances. Make sure to empty your pockets of any unnecessary coins or keys and avoid large metal belt buckles or jewelry. Leave extra jewelry at home or pack it in your checked bag. 
• Passengers may also be subjected to handheld metal detector wand searches. 

Luggage Check-in Procedures:

• Wait to lock each bag until luggage has been accepted by the airline at the check-in counter or cleared by security.
• Keep luggage keys handy.

Baggage Restrictions:

• Wait until arriving at your destination to purchase disposable razors to avoid confiscation at security checkpoints.
• Clean out all pockets in purses, briefcases, and suitcases to remove any newly restricted items - a corkscrew, Swiss Army knife or metal nail file that you usually keep in a bag, ready for the next trip.

Unattended Bags:

• Do not under any circumstances leave your bag unattended at any time or place while traveling. 
• Do not ask the person seated next to you in the waiting area to watch your bag so you can go to the restroom - they should and will tell you "No way!"

Check It or Carry It On? 

The less you take through the security checkpoint, the faster you will pass through it. The lines may be long at the airline check-in counter and they may also be long at the security check-in. There simply isn't one best way today. If you pack for carry-on, use the guidelines discussed above to speed your way. 

Remember These Points:

• Call your airline to see how much time you should allow at the airport. Many recommend arriving 2 hours in advance for domestic flights, 3 hours in advance for international flights. 
• Only ticketed passengers may pass through the security checkpoint. If you are traveling with an electronic ticket, check in advance with your airline. The airlines determine which ticket documentation (tickets, boarding passes or reservation confirmations) their security screeners will allow. You may now need to pick up a paper boarding pass before passing through the security checkpoint. 
  

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