Holiday travelers should be aware of security changes



If you're traveling by air this holiday season, you should be aware of changes that have been made to make your experience at airports go more smoothly.

The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year for airlines. As you might expect, there will be longer-than-usual lines at security checkpoints.

"We always advise people to get here in plenty of time around 90 minutes ahead of their flight so that they have plenty of time to get through ticketing as well as passenger security," said Federal Security Director Louis Traverzo.
Passengers are always urged to arrive early for their flights.
To make your passage through security go more quickly, you now need to empty your pockets. This is a new requirement because of an upgrade to the advanced imaging machine that will scan you.

"In the past we would ask them to take out metal items keys and phones. Now we're asking them to take out all items wallets, handkerchiefs, tissues," said Jim Fotenos, TSA Public Affairs Manager.

If you're traveling with children 12 and under, they no longer have to take their shows off.

If you have gifts along for the ride, it's recommended you do not wrap them. That's because boxes may need to be inspected.

For more information on air travel restrictions, log on to tsa.gov.