Heightened Airport Security

SURVIVING AIRPORT SECURITY What to expect at the airport

By Laura Quarantiello 2002 Tiare Publications 349 words

The new airport security rules, instituted in the wake of the
September 11 tragedies, are not only causing longer lines and
more delays, they\'re also confusing travelers. How many bags can
I carry aboard? Are golf clubs considered weapons now? What
about nail clippers? Will airport screeners be searching every
nook and cranny of my bags? Do I really have to show up two
hours early for my flight? The anxiety is enough to make you
take the train. Here are some answers to help you out.

Yes, your nail clippers will be confiscated. The airlines have
tightened the rules on what is considered a potential weapon.
Nail clippers (with metal file), pocket knives, razors,
scissors, and even corkscrews now make the list of no-no\'s.
Leave these in your checked baggage or at home. Don\'t try to
bring golf clubs or ski poles aboard, either; they won\'t be
allowed in the passenger cabin.

Only one carry-on per person. The FAA is restricting the number
of bags you can carry aboard to one, plus one personal item like
a purse or briefcase. Don\'t try to take more, it will just cause
a longer delay.

Increased security means everything gets searched. Your carry-on
luggage will be opened and inspected for contraband. To speed
things up, pack everything within your luggage in clear plastic
bags or in see-through containers. Make sure radios or computers
have fresh batteries installed in case screeners want to test
them. And watch out when carrying baby powder or other powdered
materials like vitamins or baby formula; some airlines are
turning these away.

Always arrive early. As air travel returned to normal in the
days following the terrorist attacks, delays of up to two hours
were not uncommon. Things are running a bit smoother now, but
always leave a little extra time, just in case. All it takes is
one small problem to hold up the entire line. So allow at least
an hour for all flights, an hour and a half or even two hours is
better.

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