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By Becky BruceIf you're headed home for the holidays, you can expect a few changes when you go through the airport security checkpoint. The Transportation Security Administration is putting the word out about a few changes in the airport screening line.
Utah TSA Spokesman Duane Baird says it's a case where an ounce of prevention is worth your valuable time standing in line.
"Believe it or not, we would rather you not pack laptop computers and large electronic devices in your checked bags, but take them through the carry-on with you," he said.
That goes for game consoles like the PlayStation, Xbox and Wii as well. "We will ask you to take that out, as well, put it in a gray bin by itself, so that we again can take a look at it," Baird explained.
If you have wrapped presents, you should consider shipping them ahead, putting them in your checked bags, or waiting to wrap until you get where you're going. Otherwise, you'll be unwrapping them at the checkpoint.
You probably know about the 3-1-1 rule. Carry-on liquids have to be in containers smaller than 3 ounces, and fit inside a one-quart Ziplock-style baggie. But there is an exception now. Baird said, "About a month ago, we opened up the family medical liquids lane in all airports throughout the United States. That lane allows you to carry medically exempt liquids, such as cough syrups, baby formula, breast milk and even some of the over-the-counter type medicines that don't come in a 3-ounce sized container."
"We now allow you to carry those through a certain portion of that checkpoint where we can screen those items. It may take you a little longer to get through that security checkpoint, but we will allow you to carry those because we now have the opportunity and the ability to screen those items prior to your going into the secure side of the airport," he said.
Just in case you're not sure which liquids common in Christmas travel fall under the rules, here's a list of items the TSA says you need to either check, ship ahead or leave at home:
- Cranberry sauce
- Cologne
- Creamy dips
- Gift baskets with food items like salsa, jams and salad dressings
- Gravy
- Jams
- Jellies
- Lotions
- Maple syrup
- Oils and vinegars
- Perfume
- Salad dressing
- Salsa
- Sauces
- Snowglobes
- Soups
- Wine, liquor and beer
E-mail: bbruce@ksl.com
