TSA Offers Spring Break Travel Tips
By Edward Cardenas
SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Travelers planning to fly out of Detroit Metropolitan Airport to beach vacations for spring break, or to Indianapolis for the Final Four, can save time when going through security by reviewing tips from the Transportation Security Administration.
The TSA has an information-rich website, www.tsa.gov, along with iOS and Android apps, which offer an interactive question and answer feature to learn what is allowed to be packed on carry-ons baggage and what has to be checked, airport status and wait times.
"We know that your number one goal is to get through the checkpoint quickly and easily, and on to your gate," said Michael McCarthy, TSA spokesman, who recommends travels use the digital assets before heading to the airport. "We really want to help you there, so the best thing you can do is just to know what you can, or can not, travel with before showing up at the airport."
McCarthy reminds travelers that there are still liquid restrictions of what can be brought through security (bottles must be 3.4 ounces or less); items with sharp blades are not allowed on planes; and airline passengers waiting in security lines can take their laptops out of bags and items out of their pockets to help them move quickly through the screening process.
Those traveling over spring break could expect to have company. According to study of consumer travel plans by AAA, 47 percent of respondents planned on taking a vacation during the spring with 29 percent taking a beach vacation.
With the increase in travelers, McCarthy reminds those heading to the airport to allow themselves plenty of time.
"We want you to allow 90 minutes to come check-in with the airline, get your tickets, check your bags, go to the checkpoint and then find your gate with plenty of time," he said. "We don't want anyone to be rushed."
Here are some additional tips from the TSA to help make vacations a bit easier:
- Travelers can call TSA Cares toll-free at 1-855-787-2227 72 hours prior to traveling if they have a disability or medical condition with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint,
- For those checking a bag, pack liquids, gels and aerosols in checked baggage. If fliers are concerned that the items may leak, they can place the items in a zip-top bag,
- Airline passengers who are only bringing a carry-on bag can bring as many 3.4 ounce or less sized containers that will fit in one sealed clear quart-sized zip-top bag. They are limited to one bag per person, and must be removed from a carry-on before it is sent through the X-ray.
- Deodorant: Stick deodorant is not limited to 3.4 oz or less, but gel or spray deodorant is.
- Suntan and sun block lotion: Lotions and aerosol spray lotions fall under the 3-1-1 liquids guidelines. Sunblock sticks do not fall under this rule.
- Makeup: Any liquid makeup cosmetics such as eyeliner, nail polish, liquid foundation, etc. should be placed in the zip-top bag. That goes for perfume as well. Powder makeup is fine.
- Beverages: Wine, liquor, beer, and other beverages are permitted in checked baggage. Travelers can also bring beverages packaged in 3.4 oz or less bottles in carry-on bags in the zip-top bag.
- Shaving razors: All razors are permitted in checked bags. Disposable razors are permitted in carry-on bags, and safety razors with removable blades are not.
- Golf clubs, baseball bats (including the mini slugger bats), cricket bats, bows and arrows, hockey sticks, scuba knives and spear guns are all prohibited from being carried onto the plane. These items can be placed in checked baggage.
- Lose or forget identification while on packing, or returning from vacation? TSA states travelers will still be permitted to fly as long as they can help personnel verify their identity by answering a few questions. Those without identification should get to the airport a little earlier just to be safe.
