No matter how well you prepare for airport security — wearing belt-less pants and slip-on shoes, knowing exactly how to stand when it’s your turn — you may still end up waiting because your carry-on hasn’t finished its trip through the baggage scanner. That may soon improve, now that the Transportation Security Administration has approved new, faster scanners for use at airport checkpoints.
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TSA
TSA Approves Faster Airport Baggage Scanners
By 9.15.17
Expect Airport Security Delays As TSA Starts Scanning Tablets Separately From Carry-On Bags
By 7.26.17
If you’re one of the many air travelers who uses a tablet to play games, watch videos, read, or do work while flying, be warned that your device will soon be subject to the same sort of security screening that has been given to laptop computers for years. And even if you’re not carrying a tablet in your bag, you should probably expect longer waits at airport checkpoints. [More]
United Airlines Says It “Misunderstood” TSA About Non-Existent Ban On Comic Books
By 7.24.17
Now that the Transportation Security Administration has called shenanigans on United Airlines’ claim that folks leaving last weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con could not stow their comics in their checked bags, the airline is admitting that it was wrong about this bizarre request being any sort of federal requirement. [More]
TSA Says It Did Not Ban Comic Books From Checked Bags On Flights Leaving Comic-Con
By 7.24.17
The thing about a major comic book convention like Comic-Con? People are probably going to buy stuff, including comic books, likely in large quantities. But some travelers leaving San Diego after this past weekend’s Comic-Con International were confused by signs informing them that comic books are not allowed in checked baggage. However, that’s just not true. [More]
Owner & Seller Of 20 Lb. Lobster Not Thrilled That TSA Made A Celebrity Of Oversized Crustacean
By 6.29.17
Deserved or not, the Transportation Security Administration doesn’t usually get much affection on social media, so it must have been a nice change of pace for the TSA recently when it had a minor Instagram hit with a photo of a massive, 20 lb. lobster found in a cooler at a Boston airport. Alas, the TSA has not escaped criticism, as the man who owned this oversized crustacean — and the market where he purchased it — both say the airport security folks mishandled his future meal for the sake of a photo op. [More]
Airports Must Enhance Security Screenings, Or Face Laptop Ban
By 6.28.17
The Department of Homeland Security is telling airports around the world that they could face a ban on carry-on electronics for U.S.-bound flights if their security doesn’t meet new DHS standards. [More]
Yes, You Can Fly With This Huge Freaking Lobster (But Don’t Sit Near Me)
By 6.27.17
As if people aren’t bad enough, your future seatmate could feature large, pinchy claws. Well, sort of. [More]
TSA May Want To Flip Through Your Summer Reading Next Time You Fly
By 6.26.17
At this point, most travelers know that your electronics, your shoes, your food, and your liquids are going to have to come out of your bag (or off your person) and get extra screening just so you can get on a flight. But now, it seems books — good, old-fashioned paper books — may be joining that list. [More]
Travelers Left A Record $867,800 In Change At TSA Checkpoints Last Year
By 6.20.17
Sure, forgetting a few pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters might not seem like a lot to leave behind when dashing through airport security, but it adds up. To that end, the Transportation Security Administration says it once again collected a record number of change last year. [More]
TSA Testing New CT Scanner That Could Eventually Ease Restrictions On Liquids, Electronics
By 6.16.17
Imagine a future where you can bring a large bottle of water and your laptop or tablet with you into the cabin of a commercial flight. The Transportation Security Administration is testing one of its new computerized tomography (CT) scanning machines for carry-on bags in Phoenix, and will soon launch a test in Boston. The use of these machines in the future could mean fewer restrictions on carry-on items, and faster security screening. [More]
JetBlue Hopes Facial Recognition Tech Can Speed Up Boarding At The Gate
By 5.31.17
For some flights, you’ll spend more time in line at the airport than you will in the air. Checking your bags, going through security, then boarding at the gate (not to mention the idle time spent in the jet’s aisle while the people in front of you invariably stow their over-large rolling suitcases improperly in the overhead bins and then remember they have to get something from that bag). JetBlue is hoping that using facial recognition technology can speed up at least one portion of this process. [More]
New Baggage Scanners May Someday Let You Bring Liquids Through Airport Security
By 5.26.17
The Transportation Security Administration may be testing new ways to get travelers through security checkpoints more quickly and efficiently by having them remove additional items from their carry-on bags, but the companies that make these devices have developed technology that could eventually save you from having to take out your laptop at the checkpoint or guzzle that bottle of water before you’re forced to throw it out. [More]
DHS Hasn’t Decided Whether To Expand Laptop Ban To U.S-Bound Flights From Europe
By 5.25.17
After rumors started circulating that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security would maybe, possibly expand its limited in-flight electronics ban to include U.S.-bound planes from Europe, or even put domestic flights under that umbrella, some in the airline industry started to get worried. They’ll have to fret a bit longer, however, as the agency hasn’t made up its mind on that front yet. [More]
You Could Soon Be Unloading A Lot More From Your Bag At Airport Security
By 5.24.17 — Updated: 5.25.17
The Transportation Security Administration and airlines, alike, have implemented processes at airports designed to take some of the burden out of the security line — from fully automated checkpoints to hiring more screeners. Now, the TSA is working on more changes intended to make the security process more efficient — like removing food from carry-ons and using digital ID scanners. But before we can speed through the checkpoints, some unsuspecting passengers will have serve as guinea pigs. [More]
Appeals Court: Your Naked Protest At Airport Security Is Not Protected By First Amendment
By 5.18.17
Five years ago, when we told you about an Oregon man protesting new airport security measures by stripping down to nothing at a TSA checkpoint, we had no idea it would eventually blossom into a years-long legal battle over whether or not one has a First Amendment right to get naked at the airport, but this week a federal appeals court disagreed with a local judge, saying that the man’s protest was not a form of constitutionally protected free speech. [More]
In-Flight Electronics Ban Could Be Expanded To Include Flights From Europe
By 5.9.17
Transatlantic travel may soon require you to pack a few good books. The federal government may expand its limited ban on carry-on electronics to include some flights coming from airports in Europe. [More]
TSA Reaches Out To Woman Who Said Son Endured “Horrifying” Pat-Down
By 3.31.17
Earlier this week, a Texas woman posted a video on Facebook claiming that the physical security check she requested for her special needs son crossed the line. Now, the woman says she’s been contacted by the Transportation Security Administration and will work with the agency to create a system that is more appropriate for children and people with medical challenges. [More]
Woman Says TSA Pat-Down Of Son Was “Horrifying”
By 3.28.17
Last month, the Transportation Security Administration unveiled a new, more “comprehensive” pat-down procedure, but a Texas woman says that the physical security check she requested for her special needs son crossed the line. [More]
