Destin, Fla. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wants to remind travelers of new security procedures ahead of the busy summer travel period to make any trip through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VSP) is expecting a very busy travel season this summer, and the following recommendations will help to make your summer travel go as smoothly as possible.
Arrive on time. Remember to leave adequate time to check baggage and move through security. Check your airline or the airport authority for recommended arrival time. If they say to arrive 2 hours or more before your departure time, please follow their recommendations to ensure you make your departure. Just because you go through security one day in just minutes, doesn’t mean you won’t hit a large volume of passengers ahead of you on another day. Don’t cut it close!
Remember new rules. Any electronic item larger than a cell phone must be removed from your bag and placed in a bin at the checkpoint with nothing on top of it or below it. It is recommended, but not required, that you remove food as well. These efforts will allow Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to better screen both what is in the bin and what is in your suitcase. These procedures will also reduce the likelihood of a bag search, and no one likes a bag search.
Pay attention to the ongoing 3-1-1 rule. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted in 3.4 ounce containers, placed in a 1-quart-size, clear plastic, zip-lock bag, one bag per traveler. If you can pour it, pump it, squeeze it, spread it, smear it, spray it, or spill it, it’s subject to these limits. That applies to food as well. Items greater than 3.4 ounces, including duty free alcohol and perfume for instance if you’ve been on a cruise should be placed in checked baggage. Breast milk and medically necessary liquids like baby formula and insulin are permitted in your carry-on, but must be declared to a security officer at the checkpoint before you begin the screening process.
Dress the Part. TSOs have to resolve any anomaly detected at the checkpoint. If travelers alarm when passing through a metal detector or the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) unit, additional screening will be required. TSA strongly recommends removing ALL items from pockets, as well as certain accessories, including wallet, belt, bulky jewelry, money, keys, and cell phone. Removing all of these items will reduce the chance of needing additional screening after exiting the machine. To reduce stress, place those items into your carry-on bags – not into bins - before sending them through the X-ray machines. Also please remove shoes before entering the screening technology if you are not in the TSA Pre✓® program and put them directly on the belt to go through the X-ray machine instead of in a bin with other items.
Have the Following Ready: Passengers should be prepared to present their own boarding pass and a valid federal or state issued government photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license or passport with your name as it appears on your boarding pass.
TSA reminds travelers always to be vigilant and to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The traveling public plays an important role in security. For more information on these and other helpful tips, please visit TSA.gov.