The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for the sustained surge in travelers at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and across the country. Acrylic barriers and improved technology are now reducing or eliminating physical contact between passengers and TSA staff.
But while you’re preparing for the flight, which for many could be a year or more, the TSA offers serious tips on navigating the airport checkpoint. The first is to arrive early, two hours earlier. Keep in mind that your aircraft’s doors will close 15 to 20 minutes before the stated flight time and you may arrive just when there is a crowd to check a bag or go through security. TSA staff review record numbers of passengers at RSW, even more than before the pandemic began
“The health and safety of our workforce and the traveling public remain our critical mission.” said Robert McLaughlin, who returned from a five-year TSA assignment in North Africa and the Middle East as Federal Security Director in the Transportation Security Administration at RSW. “I am impressed with the professionalism of our TSA staff and the remarkable collaboration with the Lee County Port Authority and Lee County Port Authority Police.”
The TSA has installed the latest checkpoint technology – CT 300s – as well as CATs or credential authentication technology, which reduce both points of contact. The CTs or computed tomographs use complex algorithms to look for threats, allow TSA officers to rotate the images, thus reducing the need to open bags. Passengers screened in the lanes with this new equipment will not need to remove their 3-1-1 bag or electronics.
In the lanes with CAT machines, passengers are separated from the TSA officers by acrylic barriers and can insert their own ID or passport. Boarding passes are not required on these lanes. The device verifies the identity of the passengers and confirms in real time that they are flying that day.
Face masks for staff and passengers are required on all domestic transport, including security checks at the airport and throughout the airport. Since the implementation of the federal face mask mandate for travelers on February 2 and the subsequent extension into September, the mask requirement applies regardless of any local or national relaxation. Those who refuse to wear a mask face fines from the TSA and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) if the violation occurs in-flight. The TSA continues to work closely with all transportation partners to enable the highest standards of safety in a travel environment that will help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Travelers should follow these six tips to get through the TSA checkpoint as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• Tip 1: Wear a face mask. You need to. Face masks must be worn at airports, on airplanes and on all public transport, as well as at train stations, ports or similar transport hubs, regardless of state and local laws.
• Tip 2: Leave prohibited items at home. To reduce the chance of physical contact with TSA officers at the checkpoint, check to see if items are prohibited by using the “What can I bring with me?” Page on TSA.gov. Also empty your bags with your wallet, coins, phone and other permitted items in your own hand luggage, not in the compartments at the checkpoint. This also reduces points of contact.
• Tip 3: Prepare for the security check. Have a valid ID card ready. Follow the fluid rule of 3.4 ounces or less, with the exception of hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12 ounce limit in carry-on baggage.
• Tip 4: Never guns at checkpoints. Passengers are only allowed to fly with firearms in their checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packaged and declared upon check-in. Contact your airline for more information. And do you know which laws apply on both sides of your trip.
• Tip 5: Help is always available. Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST and weekends / holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
• Tip 6: Log in to TSA PreCheck now. “Travel with ease” by signing up for the TSA PreCheck and avoiding removing shoes, belts, liquids, groceries, laptops and light jackets. Most new members receive a known travel number within five days and membership lasts for five years.
TSA is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for our employees, airport staff and passengers. Further information on TSA procedures during COVID-19 can be found in our “Stay healthy. Stay safe” Campaign visit tsa.gov/coronavirus.
See similar https://www.northfortmyersneighbor.com/2021/06/07/tsa-at-southwest-florida-international-airport-is-ready-for-increasing-passenger-volumes/
The post TSA at Southwest Florida International Airport is ready for soaring passenger numbers | News, sports, jobs first appeared on Daily Florida Press.
from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/tsa-at-southwest-florida-international-airport-is-ready-for-soaring-passenger-numbers-news-sports-jobs/
No comments:
Post a Comment