Guidance for your air travels

Since the Christmas Day incident, the Transportation Security Administration has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local and international partners, to put heightened security measures in place. Passengers traveling domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations may notice additional screening measures. The TSA offers this guidance to air travel passengers:

Q: What additional security measures is the TSA taking domestically?

A: The TSA has a layered approach to security that allows for more resources as needed on a daily basis. The agency says it has the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures, including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.

Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?

A: The TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening, including pat-downs and bag searches.

During flight, passengers will be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.

Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?

A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently.

Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?

A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. The TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.

Q. How long will these measures remain in place?

A: The TSA will continuously review these measures.