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SALT LAKE CITY — We're now less than 48 hours away from the biggest travel day of the year. If you're making that extended trip to grandma's house, the airlines and the Utah Department of Transportation have some good news for a change.
Transportation Security Administration officials held a press conference Monday afternoon to remind Utahns of one of the biggest changes in while — a sigh of relief for our noses.
Passengers 12 and under are allowed to keep their shoes on when going through the security check point," said Vera Adams, federal security director for the TSA's Utah division.
Passengers 75 and older can also keep their shoes on," she continued, "as well as any light-weight outer jackets."
- Quart sized zip top bag (Hint: 1 bag per passenger is permitted)
- 3 ounces or less sized containers of liquids, gels and aerosols
- Visit TSA.gov or download the MyTSA app to review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage
- If purchasing a luggage lock, be sure to look for those that are recognized by TSA
- It can be helpful to tape a card with your name and contact information on any large electronics (like laptops)
- Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)
- Place your 3-1-1 bag with liquids, gels and aerosols in front pocket of your carry-on for easy accessibility
- Ensure everyday bags (i.e., purse, backpack, duffel bag) do not contain weaponry or firearms such as knives, guns, pepper spray or stun guns.
- Be sure to place all items from pockets and any bulky metal jewelry in carry-on bag or purse
- Have ID and boarding pass out for inspection.
And who can remember how many ounces of liquids you can store in your carry-on, and what size Ziploc bags you need? TSA is also helping with that, adding a new feature to its website where you can ask about specific products and where they can fly.
But the best advice, as always, is to arrive early for your flight.
"If they have plenty of time before their flight, they won't be stressed, they won't be rushed, and they can take their time going through the security process," Adams said.
There was also good news from Utah Department of Transportation Monday: No major construction projects are underway that will affect Thanksgiving travel.
But what if you don't want to deal with the traffic in your kitchen? The alternatives to cooking yourself are easier to find these days.
Downtown Salt Lake hotels Grand America and Little America offer Thanksgiving Day feasts, and ski resorts like Snowbird and Sundance have special packages for the holiday.
If you're looking for a family friendly environment that won't break the bank, all Chuck-A-Rama locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
