“As spring break approaches, we would like to remind travelers to arrive early and come prepared for the security screening process,” said Wichita Mid-Continent Airport Federal Security Director Keith Osborn. “By ‘packing smart’, passengers can help us keep security high and wait times low.”

Osborn also recommends that travelers check out TSA’s travel tips on the Web at www.tsa.gov.

Highlights include:

Remember 3-1-1 for Liquids and Gels: You are allowed to carry through the security checkpoint small amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 3 ounces or less that fit comfortably in 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Each passenger may bring 1 plastic zip-top bag. You must remove the bag from your carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. You may bring on board the aircraft larger-size liquid and gel items, including beverages, provided they are purchased beyond the checkpoint in the secure boarding area.

Don’t Carry On Lighters: You cannot bring lighters (fueled or without fuel) in carry-on luggage or on your person if going through the security checkpoint. You may take up to two fueled lighters in your checked baggage if they are properly enclosed in a Department of Transportation-approved case. You can bring unlimited quantities of un-fueled lighters in your checked baggage.

Pack Smart. Your trip begins at home. Bringing prohibited items to the airport will cause delays in the screening process for you and other passengers. If you are not sure which items are prohibited, check TSA’s Web site for a complete list. Packing tips include:

• Laptops
  Laptops must be removed from cases and placed in a bin to pass through screening.

• Photography Equipment
  In addition to one carry-on and one personal item, you may have a photography bag if it contains only photographic equipment. Film should be packed in your carry-on bag. Film faster than 800-speed can be handed to a security officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.

• Scissors and Small Tools
  Scissors with a cutting edge of 4 inches or less and tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers smaller than 7 inches are allowed on board. Larger scissors and tools such as crowbars, drills and drill bits, hammers and saws are prohibited from carry-on bags.

Decide to Lock…or Not. Security officers may have to open your bag during the screening process. If your bag is locked and TSA cannot open it through other means, the lock may have to be broken. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break a lock by using a TSA-recognized lock. These locks can be opened by TSA and can be purchased at multiple retail outlets. A list of recognized locks can be found at www.tsa.gov.

Arrive On Time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. Passengers are asked to provide valid government-issued photo ID with their boarding pass at the checkpoint. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.

Dress the Part and be Prepared to Remove Your Shoes. All shoes must be removed and placed in a plastic bin for screening before you enter the walk-through metal detector. To speed the screening process, TSA strongly encourages wearing shoes that are easy to remove.

Metal in your clothing may set off the walk-through metal detector. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Passengers will also need to remove blazers, suit coats and bulky sweaters in addition to outer garments. Sport coats and warm-up jackets should also be taken off and placed in the bins for X-ray.

Think. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. Such incidents will result in delays and possibly missing your flight. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.

Back to Top