Packing for a Flight? Check This TSA Update First

Shoes on or shoes off? Laptop in the bag or take it out? It is understandable to be confused when traveling through the nation's airports these days, as it seems as if the security rules are always changing. Here is an updated look at what to expect if you are headed out on a flight soon, including a new update on prohibited items.

TSA Issues Reminder About Prohibited Items

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) posted a reminder last week, serving as a guide about what seemingly harmless items cannot be packed into your carry-on or checked luggage. In the August 11 post, the TSA reminded air travelers that they cannot put toys filled with more than 3.4 ounces of gel or dough in their carry-on luggage.

While this is part of the existing TSA ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols, the growing popularity of the sensory NeeDoh squishes have presented issues with children trying to take their beloved toys through security and having them confiscated. The TSA did confirm that NeeDoh squishies could be packed in checked baggage.

It is also a good idea to double-check the latest TSA rules before packing both your carry-on and checked luggage. Keeping your luggage organized with liquids and electronics stored in separate compartments may also prove to be helpful if TSA needs to perform additional screening.

A traveler trying to bring along a prohibited item through security or in a checked suitcase may face up to over $17,000 in civil penalties per violation. The extra screening involved when an item is suspect can also trigger unnecessary delays and inconveniences.

While most everyone knows that you cannot put any type of weapon in your carry-on or checked luggage, there may be some banned items that surprise you. For instance, cordless curling irons and any type of device with lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked luggage due to fire and explosion hazards.

The same goes for portable power banks because of the risk of overheating. Smokers will also want to note that electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are banned in checked luggage because of a similar threat. Likewise, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones are prohibited in both carry-ons and checked baggage due to past overheating issues.

Other odd items that you cannot bring through the security line in your carry-on include bowling balls, cast iron cookware, foam toy swords, gel-type candles, screwdrivers that measure longer than seven inches, and snow globes that contain over 3.4 ounces of liquid.

One exception to the liquid rule is breast milk or formula. The TSA considers these to be medically necessary liquids, meaning that parents can bring them on board the plane. The exception applies to formula, breast milk, other types of toddler drinks, or food specifically for babies and toddlers. This also means that you can carry on the ice packs needed to keep these liquids cold and fresh.

TSA recommends that travelers inform the security officer about any liquids before placing them on the screening belt. Removing the liquid from the carry-on and storing it in clear bottles will help to expedite the process.

Rules Surrounding Biometric Screenings

In addition to the TSA rules on what can and cannot be brought through security or checked in luggage, there has also been some confusion about the biometric screenings. Many travelers do not know that they can legally opt out of these screenings.

TSA is required to honor the traveler's right to deny both the facial recognition and the use of the full-body scanner. That said, denying these processes can result in delays going through security.

TSA confirms that any data obtained by the agency for verifying identity at the airport is automatically deleted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after 180 days. Travelers should inform the TSA agent if they do not want to participate in the face scan, choosing to go through the standard verification process.

By denying the full-body scanner, you may be subject to a pat-down by an officer of the same sex instead. Those with disabilities or other types of mobility issues should inform the TSA officers if they need a chair during the pat-down process.

General pat-downs include close inspections of the head, neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. It is also possible that a TSA agent may deem that additional pat-downs be performed in order to confirm that there is no threat.

While you cannot control delays in the skies, understanding the latest TSA updates can help to ensure that your next trip goes off as smoothly as possible once you arrive at the airport.

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