The Transportation Security Administration announced new screening procedures for carry-on baggage at Alaska’s largest airports on Tuesday.
In the past, only laptop computers had to be removed from carry-on bags and placed in a plastic bin for x-ray screening. Under the new procedure, passengers will now be required to place all electronics larger than a cellphone in the bins.
The new security measures were announced by the Department of Homeland Security earlier this summer and will be implemented at every airport in the country by next spring.
International airports in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau are already using the new procedure, and every airport statewide is expected to follow suit by mid-December.
Liquids, gels and aerosols less than 3.4 ounces are still permitted, as long as they are stored in a one-quart bag. The bag must be placed in a bin by itself for screening.
TSA suggests passengers organize their carry-on bag so that items that have to be set in a separate bin are on easily accessible – like electronics, and the quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.
They also ask that you don’t overstuff the carry-on bag as it slows down screening. Consider checking bags when feasible.
TSA says wrapped gifts are allowed, but not encouraged, as we might have to unwrap if there’s something in the gift that needs to be inspected. They say their officers try their best not to mangle the gift wrap, but it’s not a guarantee and it also slows down the line for everybody else.
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