This is for International travelers traveling in US. Especially guys traveling after a prolonged stay.
<b>How to Pack Right ... </b>
Do you know that you can bring a paper cup of coffee through the passenger checkpoint but not a can of soda? Or, what shoes you can wear that will help you move through the security line more quickly? Here is what you always wanted to know about the new airport security measures
Security checks are at an all-time high for international travel from the US. However, if you pack a little more wisely while going to / coming from India, you can save a lot of time in opening and closing your suitcases again and again at the airport.
Some steps to remember:
• Prepare to open and close your bags frequently. This would mean arranging your things in order, like electronic items on one-side and perfumes on another side. This would save some unwanted headaches and waste of time taking them out. By properly arranging things, you may get through without opening your bag even once.
• Check for banned items and do not carry even the look-alike, such as toy-guns etc.
<b>Permitted and Prohibited Items </b>
Prohibited items are weapons, explosives, incendiaries, and include items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons-the so-called ’’dual use’’ items. You may not bring these items to security checkpoints without authorization.
If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint, you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or, at the least, asked to rid yourself of the item. A screener and/or Law Enforcement Officer will make this determination, depending on what the item is and the circumstances. This is because bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint - even accidentally - is illegal.
The following table outlines items that are permitted and items that are prohibited in your carry-on or checked baggage. Note that some items are allowed in your checked baggage, but not your carry-on.
<b><i>Can I take it?==>Carry-on==>Checked</i></b>
<b>Personal Items</b>
Scissors-metal with pointed tips==>No==>Yes
Umbrellas==>Yes==>Yes
Razor-Type blades, such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors==>No==>Yes
<b>Electronics</b>
Camcorders==>Yes==>Yes
Camera Equipment==>Yes==>Yes
Laptop Computers==>Yes==>Yes
Mobile Phones==>Yes==>Yes
Pagers==>Yes==>Yes
PDAs==>Yes==>Yes
<i>Note: Check with your airline for restrictions on using of these and during the flight</i>
<b>Sharp Objects</b>
Box Cutters, Knives==>No==>Yes
Miscellaneous Cricket Bats,
Hockey Sticks==>No==>Yes
Golf Clubs==>No==>Yes
Gas Torches==>No==>Yes
Lighter Fluid==>No==>Yes
Strike-anywhere Matches==>No==>Yes
Liquid Bleach==>No==>Yes
<i>Note: The checked baggage screening equipment may damage undeveloped film. You should either put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask the screener to conduct a hand-inspection. </i>
<b>TIP: Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, or other accessories that contain metal when traveling, like Jewelry (pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, cuff links, lanyard or bolo tie), Shoes with steel tips, heels, shanks, buckles or nails, Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs, Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration, and Belt buckles. </b>
<b>Transportation Security Administration (TSA)</b> suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bag unlocked. In some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose, but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
For more information, go to the TSA website at https://129.33.119.130/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_0598.xml
<b>How to Pack Smart?? </b>
<b>Carry-on Baggage</b> is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases.
<b>Checked Baggage</b> is luggage you check in at the ticket counter. You are allowed to check-in two baggage.
<b>Tips for packing</b>
Here are a number of tips for packing your checked baggage that will help to speed your security check
o Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to reseal your bag easily if it is opened for inspection. Also, then your articles won’t spill out if your bag is opened for inspection.
o Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
o Don’t stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.
o Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
o Do not pack or bring prohibited items to the airport.
o Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than five times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.
o Don’t forget to place identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well.
o Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on baggage. The screeners may have to open your bag and check its contents.
o Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
o Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.
o Do not bring drinks or other liquids to the security checkpoint unless they are in paper or polystyrene containers.
Hope that was helpful. <b>Please add your comments</b>
Inquizitor