COVID-19 has put a hold on our lives and the travel industry especially. Over the past couple of weeks, cities, states, and businesses all over the country have been reopening. With that being said, U.S. air carriers have also been adding more flights as the number of travelers slowly start to increase. In order to keep travelers safe, the TSA has implemented some additional security procedures. The security procedures can be found on tsa.gov, however, I have summarized the key points below.
Keep possession of their boarding passes.
At the travel document podium, travelers will now maintain possession of their own boarding pass and allow TSA officer to visually inspect it.
Separate food for X-ray screening.
Non TSA Prescheck members will need to place carry-on food items into a clear plastic bag and place into a bin.
Hand Sanitizer up to 12 ounces.
TSA still requires carry-on liquids, gels or aerosols to not be greater than 3.4 ounces, however hand sanitizer is allowed up to 12 ounces (1 container). Passengers will have to remove the container prior to going through the X-ray machine.
Practice social distancing and facial protection.
Passengers are encouraged to maintain social distancing practices as much as possible. TSA has increased the distance between travelers as they enter the checkpoint and TSA agents will be wearing masks. Travelers are advised to wear masks as well.
Other changes include:
- Reduced security lane usage due to the reduction in passenger volume.
- All TSA officers at checkpoints wearing masks and gloves.
- TSA officers optionally wearing eye protection and clear plastic face shields at some locations.
- TSA officers will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down.
- Plastic shielding installed at many travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search and drop off locations.
- TSA officers practicing social distancing.
- Routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in the screening checkpoint area.
–image courtesy of tsa.gov