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| Traveler Safety and Security Tips |
SECURITY The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) handles all of the baggage and passenger screening at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. TSA is pleased to help passengers prepare to travel through the airport. A passenger who knows how to pack and what to wear is going to help keep the lines moving without delay. BAGGAGE SCREENING You should arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to your flight departure (especially in the early AM). Check in with the airline first. It is important that you do not lock your bags. TSA sometimes need a little extra sense of security. If you feel you need to lock your bag, make sure the lock is TSA compatible. Click here to see TSA compatible locks. THE SCREENING EXPERIENCE Everyone who travels by air goes through airport security checkpoints. These checkpoints are operated by Transportation Security Officers from the Transportation Security Administration. The checkpoints are there to make sure that terrorists can't bring anything aboard the plane that would enable them to take it over or destroy it. These are called prohibited items and cannot be brought to a checkpoint, into the secure area of an airport, or aboard an aircraft. Not only do all passengers go through checkpoints, their checked baggage is also screened. This may happen out of passengers' view depending on the physical configuration at each airport. It's a good idea to prepare before you arrive at the airport so that you move more quickly and efficiently through the security process. Here are some suggestions to help make the process as smooth as possible. Keep Your Experience Simple Take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets. Put these in your carry-on, or in a plastic bag. This keeps lines moving and your experience more pleasant. Try to avoid wearing anything with metal, clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal such as, heavy jewelry, clothing with metal buttons or snaps, belt buckles or under-wire bras. Pack all coats and jackets in checked baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. You may be additionally screened because of hidden items such as body piercings, which alarmed the metal detector. If you are selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down search. Travel Tips To Make Your Screening Experience Hassle-Free
The ban on liquids, aerosols and gels was implemented after a terrorist plot was foiled. Since then, experts from around the government, including the FBI and TSA's national labs have analyzed the information they now have and have conducted extensive explosives testing to get a better understanding of this specific threat. These changes are intended to enhance security and balance human needs because they have a better understanding of the threat and security risks associated with liquids, aerosols and gels. In addition, TSA will be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification, deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal, and screening by observation techniques. HOW TO GET THROUGH THE LINE FASTER Passengers are asked to keep in mind the following advice to help make their trip through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible. Pack Smart 
Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) have to resolve any anomaly detected at the checkpoint. If travelers alarm when passing through a metal detector or advanced image technology unit, additional screening will be required. Advance Imaging Technology (AIT). Before passing through this technology, TSA strongly recommends removing ALL items from pockets, as well as certain accessories, including wallet, belt, bulky jewelry, money, keys, and cell phone. Removing all of these items will reduce the chance of needing additional screening after exiting the machine. The officer viewing the image cannot see the passenger, so any irregularity that appears on the screen will require inspection to determine what it is. For more information on this technology, click here. Body Piercings. Certain metal body piercings may cause the machines to alarm, which will result in additional screening. If additional screening is required, passengers may be asked to remove their body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search. Head Coverings. Travelers are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process. They may be directed to additional screening if the headwear or clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items. For more information, click here. (TSA LINK CURRENTLY UNAVAILBLE) Shoes. Please remove shoes before entering the screening technology and put them directly on the belt to go through the X-ray machine instead of in a bin with other items. It is safe, easy, and gives officers a better look. Passengers with disabilities, medical conditions or a prosthetic device that prevents them from removing their shoes, should notify a security officer. These passengers will be given additional screening that includes a visual and physical inspection. Why do we screen shoes? TSA instituted mandatory shoe screening as an additional security measure when the threat level for the aviation sector was raised on August 10, 2006. Screening shoes by X-ray is an effective method of identifying any type of anomalies, including explosives. Screening shoes increases security at the checkpoint. Have the Following Ready Passengers should present the following documents to a Transportation Security Officer at the checkpoint:
Hassle-Free Security Tips
TSA does not prohibit the public, passengers or press from photographing, videotaping or filming at security checkpoints, as long as the screening process is not interfered with or slowed down. We do ask you to not film or take pictures of the monitors. While the TSA does not prohibit photographs at screening locations, local laws, state statutes, or local ordinances might. Taking photographs may also prompt airport police or a TSA official to ask what your purpose is. It is recommended that you contact the TSA Contact Center to contact the Customer Support Manager at the airport to determine its specific policy. Or, if you are a member of the press, you should contact the TSA Office of Public Affairs. Have a safe trip and enjoy your flight!PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES & MEDICAL CONDITIONSOne of the primary goals of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to provide the highest level of security and customer service to all who pass through our screening checkpoints. Our current policies and procedures focus on ensuring that all passengers, regardless of their personal situations and needs, are treated equally and with the dignity, respect, and courtesy they deserve. Although every person and item must be screened before entering each secure boarding area. All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices are allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening. Please click on the links below for specific information about screening of disabilities and medical conditions.
Please click on the links below for specific information about what to expect for passengers who:
TSA is required to screen everyone, regardless of age, in order to ensure the security of all travelers. Many Transportation Security Officers are parents themselves and understand travelers concern for their children. Security officers will approach children gently and treat them with respect. If a child becomes uncomfortable or upset, security officers will consult parents about the best way to relieve the child's concern. Screening procedures for passengers 12 and under include:
General Screening Information
Children who can walk without assistance should walk through the metal detector separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, TSA has procedures in place that have reduced, but will not eliminate, the need for pat downs to resolve the alarm, including multiple passes through screening technologies and other procedures. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector, but if the alarm sounds, the officer will have to conduct additional screening on both the passenger and the child. If a baby is carried through the metal detector in a sling, additional screening may be required even if there isnt an alarm. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) TSA uses advanced imaging technology (AIT) to safely screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats. Any passenger capable of assuming and staying in the required position for 5 seconds is eligible for AIT screening. If a child 12 and under goes through AIT and alarms, they will have an opportunity to go through the technology again or the Security Officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat down. Parents carrying infants or children cannot be screened by the imaging technology. In addition, parents accompanying children may opt out of being screened by imaging technology to prevent them from being separated from their family. AIT screening is optional for all passengers. Eligible passengers who opt out of AIT screening with receive alternative screening, to include a thorough pat-down. Traveling With Baby Formula, Breast Milk and Other Liquids For Infants and Small Children In September 2006, TSA enacted rules for carrying liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3.4 ounce (100ml) or smaller containers, and packed in a one quart, zip-top bag. Each passenger can take one zip-top bag in their carry-on. Larger quantities of liquids may be packed in checked bags. Medically necessary liquids and gels, including medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are exempt from the 3-1-1 rules, and are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml). They are not required to be in a zip-top bag. Officers may ask travelers to open these items to conduct additional screening and passengers should declare them for inspection at the checkpoint. Please be advised that passengers going on long trips should only carry on the medically necessary liquids and gels needed for their infant/toddlers immediate comfort during the flight. Please pack larger amounts of liquids for the remainder of the trip in a checked bag. Lastly, avoid any additional hassles by making sure nothing you plan to pack is on TSAs list of prohibited items. 
Children With Medical Conditions, Mobility Aids or Disabilities Whether your child has a disability or medical condition or because of injury or disability will be traveling through the checkpoint in a wheelchair, please read the following information and share it with children traveling with you so you are prepared and understand the process. The more you and your child are informed about the screening process, the less stressful it can be.
Before You Reach the Airport
The TSA Contact Center is here to help travelers prepare for upcoming flight. Whatever your question about traveling through TSA security, whether at the checkpoint or for checked baggage, we will get you an answer. Every year, millions of people travel. A few minutes of advance research can really make the difference for you and your traveling companions. If you are planning a trip, you should take a moment to read the travelers checklist it is full of practical tips for having safe and enjoyable travel. Click here for some links to helpful travel information and other resources if additional information is required. TSA realizes that different types of travelers need different types of information, so included are links for sports fans, traveling with children, disabled travelers and more. TSA Contact Information Hours: Monday Friday: 8:00 AM 11:00 PM Eastern Time Weekends/Holidays: 9:00 AM 8:00 PM Eastern Time Email: TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov PPhone: 1-866-289-9673 |