FRESNO, Calif. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented stronger carry-on baggage security screening procedures that travelers can expect to see when departing Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
The procedures, which are fully in place, require travelers to place all electronic devices larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening when going through the security checkpoint. The electronics should be placed in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for several years.
The new screening procedures were tested at 10 airports across the country over the past two years. The procedures will be implemented at all airports nationwide by mid-May 2018.
“Travelers departing Fresno Yosemite International Airport will notice a change in the screening procedures for their carry-on baggage,” said Bob Benson, TSA Assistant Federal Security Director in Fresno. “The simple step of removing electronics larger than a cell phone from carry-ons will allow TSA officers to get a clear view on the x-ray screen of the electronics as well as a clearer and uncluttered view of the contents of the carry-on bag.”
“Fresno Yosemite International Airport supports TSA’s efforts to prepare travelers for the new carry-on baggage screening procedures,” said Fresno Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle. “These simple steps help to ensure an efficient, expedited screening process creating an enjoyable airport experience for spring break travelers.”
TSA constantly evaluates and updates screening procedures to keep the traveling public secure by staying ahead of evolving threats. This is why travelers may notice changes in TSA’s screening protocols from time to time.
TSA officers at the security checkpoint will answer questions about the new procedures and provide guidance when going through screening. Please listen to the direction the officers are giving to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Travelers should continue to remove their one-quart bag containing liquids, gels and aerosols in quantities of less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces) from their carry-on bag. However, the new procedures now require the bag to be placed in a bin by itself for X-ray screening. By simply removing these specific items from the carry-on, TSA officers are able to obtain a clearer view of them on the X-ray screen.
With the new procedures, passengers may experience more bag checks. However, TSA has identified ways to more quickly improve the detection of prohibited items by using targeted measures to clear potential threat items in carry-on bags. As always, it is strongly advised that passengers follow RST’s arrival time recommendations.
With the spring break travel period upon us and more passengers coming through the security checkpoint, it is especially important that travelers prepare for the new procedures by following a few simple steps:
- Organize the carry-on bag so electronics larger than a cell phone can be quickly and easily accessed when at the security checkpoint.
- Ensure the quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols can also be accessed quickly and easily.
- Don’t overstuff the carry-on bag. An uncluttered bag makes the screening process easier and quicker for passengers and TSA officers. Consider checking bags when feasible.
- Once screening is complete, be sure to put all electronics back in the carry-on bag. Double-check the bins to make sure nothing is left behind.
There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint. Liquids in quantities of less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces), food, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags. The new security measures do not apply to passengers who are being screened in a dedicated TSA Pre✓® lane, which TSA operates at FAT.
TSA at FAT projects a 20% increase in the number of departing passengers during the 2018 spring break travel time. The busiest period is predicted to be Friday March 23 through Sunday, April 1.
At FAT, the busiest times at the security checkpoint are early mornings from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.; mid-day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and late evenings from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. TSA recommends that travelers arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to their flight departure to ensure they can complete the entire airport check-in and security screening process.
Last summer, DHS launched a broad initiative to enhance security requirements for all direct commercial flights into the United States. These measures, both seen and unseen, include enhanced screening of passengers and electronic devices as well as heightened security standards for aircraft and airports at nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance and implement these security measures.