Masks, new carry-on rules: TSA changes its security measures in response to COVID-19
Travelers will soon see some changes at airport security lines.
The Transportation Security Administration on Thursday released updated security measures ahead of Memorial Day weekend as it prepares for the summer travel season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes aim to reduce chances of cross-contamination at security checkpoints, the TSA says.
They come as the agency reports a “steady increase” in travelers over the last couple of weeks. But the number of passengers coming through security is still significantly lower compared to last year, data show.
Some changes have already been implemented, and the TSA says the rest will be in place by mid-June.
Here are changes you can expect to see:
Boarding passes
Travelers will no longer hand their boarding pass to a TSA officer at the podium. Instead they should place the boarding pass, whether paper or electronic, on the electronic reader themselves then hold it toward an officer who will “visually inspect” it.
“This change reduces the TSA officer’s need to touch a passenger’s boarding pass thus reducing potential for cross-contamination,” the agency said in a news release.
Carry-on bags
Travelers should be extra careful not to have prohibited items in their carry-on bags — such as more than 3.4 ounces of aerosol, liquids or gels — when going through security, TSA says.
Those found with prohibited items in their bags may be told to go outside security to remove it themselves. They may also need to remove items such as liquids, gels, aerosols and laptops or other large electronics and have their items X-ray screened again.
“By resolving alarms in this manner, TSA officers will need to touch the contents inside a carry-on bag much less frequently, reducing the potential for cross-contamination,” the news release says.
Under the rules, each passenger is allowed to have one hand sanitizer bottle up to 12 ounces.
Food
Any carry-on food should be put in separate clear plastic bags and placed in a bin when going through security, as food often triggers an alarm during screening.
“Separating the food from the carry-on bag lessens the likelihood that a TSA officer will need to open the carry-on bag and remove the food items for a closer inspection,” the release says.
TSA PreCheck members will not be required to remove items from their bags.
Face masks
TSA officers will wear face coverings at checkpoints, and passengers are encouraged to do the same.
However, travelers may be required to adjust their covering during the screening process, TSA says.
Social distancing
Travelers should practice social distancing “whenever possible without compromising security,” according to TSA.
The agency says it will increase the distance between people entering security, place visual reminders on the floor and stagger lanes when possible.
“No two airports are alike, so this could look a little different at each airport,” the release says.
Other changes
Those who haven’t flown since the start of the coronavirus pandemic will also see some already-implemented changes, TSA says.
All TSA officers wear masks and gloves and some wear eye protection or face shields, according to the agency. They also change gloves after each pat-down and practice social distancing.
Plastic shields have been installed at podiums and search areas, and frequently touched surfaces in checkpoint areas are routinely cleaned and disinfected, TSA says.
Passengers are also encouraged to get to the airport early to allow for more time to get through security — a change since the early months of the pandemic when passengers were encouraged to arrive at security shortly before their departure.
“Many airlines and airports are also providing specific COVID-19 related guidance to travelers; please check with your airline prior to your trip,” the release says.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Masks, new carry-on rules: TSA changes its security measures in response to COVID-19."
