If you have not traveled much this year due to the pandemic, Huntsville International Airport is sharing its “Tips for Air Travel” during the holidays. Vacationers and business travelers will find this advice helpful as well, for cruising through security, passing through the ticketing process, and securely boarding the aircraft.
According to representatives from the Transportation Safety Administration and HSV, travelers can expect to see security officers throughout the terminal wearing face masks and disposable gloves they can discard after pat-downs, while many will also wear eye protection or face shields.
Travelers can expect less physical contact at each step of the process.
Acrylic barriers have been installed at the terminal to limit exposure between airport personnel, security officers, and travelers during the issuance of your boarding pass and showing an ID. You will notice social distancing leading up to and into the security checkpoint environment; and surfaces in the security checkpoint area are frequently and intensely cleaned and disinfected.
The following procedures will make air travel much faster and less invasive as you travel this holiday season:
- Pack Smart! Pack only essential items and avoid packing prohibited items in carry-on bags. Pack liquids, gels and aerosols in small containers and place them in a plastic bag. Pack keys, loose change, wallets, lip balm, tissues, and cellphones into carry-on bags before entering security checkpoints to avoid having to put them into bins.
- Follow Universal CDC Guidelines. Wear a mask. Always keep a supply of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. Bring a photo ID.
- Enroll in TSA PreCheck. TSA Precheck expedites the screening process and reduces touchpoints. Enrollees do not have to remove their shoes, belts, lightweight jackets, electronics, or their bag of travel-size liquids and gels. Click here to Apply for TSA Precheck.
- Do Not Wrap Christmas Gifts. Pack gifts without giftwrapping them so that if they trigger an alarm, they will not have to be unwrapped for examination. Gift bags, gift boxes or decorative bows are easy alternatives.
- Download the FREE myTSA app. It is the traveler’s best friend and a trusted source for last-minute travel questions. It provides passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently asked airport security information, and has a helpful tip for preparing for security, including a searchable “Can I Bring” database. The app also keeps travelers up to date on flight delays and provides directions to TSA PreCheck lanes at any airport terminal. The app is available on iTunes or Google Play.
- Properly Prepare Food Items for Travel. As a rule, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it – pack it in a checked bag. Cakes, pies, cookies, and casseroles can travel in carry-on luggage.
If you need to know what items should go in a carry-on bag, or if you have last-minute questions, send them to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger.
Helpful travel tips are posted regularly at @TSA and @TSA_Gulf on Twitter. For localized travel information, visit FlyHuntsville.com.
(Photos courtesy of Huntsville International and the TSA)