|
Tips for Travel Under Increased Security
Initiatives
The airport security screening procedures that travelers have become
accustomed to have changed due to recent events in the United States.
To prepare customers to travel under heightened security measures,
we have prepared the following checklist for travelers in order
to ensure their safety and minimize disruptions at the airport.
Before Travel
Understand that the airlines have worked closely with the Federal
Aviation Administration to ensure that airport facilities and aircraft
meet all security requirements.
Book with confidence. Contact us to set up your travel itinerary.
E-Tickets remain available and offer optimal flexibility to customers.
How to Pack
Change your mindset. Airport security screening procedures will
be significantly more stringent than before. Items in one’s
suitcase that may have passed through before may not be accepted
onboard today.
Complete a personal luggage inventory. Empty out items in the “always
packed” suitcase. Look at each item and evaluate whether an
object could be scrutinized by airport security. (This includes
items found in manicure kits, etc.) Consider removal of anything
that could be perceived as threatening, or may raise suspicion at
a security-screening checkpoint. No knives of any size will be accepted.
Anticipate having to open a bag for security inspection. Pack efficiently,
placing smaller items together in a pouch or bag. Avoid over packing
so that carryon luggage and checked suitcases open and close with
ease.
Make sure that each suitcase has a name tag securely affixed to
it, along with identification inside your suitcase.
Verify possession of a government-issued photo identification card
or passport. Customers will not be allowed to check-in without proper
identification.
Bring E-Ticket confirmation to the airport.
Getting to the Airport
Before proceeding to the airport, call the airline directly or
your travel agency to confirm flight status.
Expect restricted airport parking. (Tampa International Airport
Short Term parking is open but your car will be searched upon entry)
We are recommending using off-site parking.
Arrive early. Passengers are requested to arrive at the airport
at least 2 hours before scheduled departures for domestic flights,
and at least 3 hours before international flights.
Upon Arrival at Airport
Leave no vehicle or baggage unattended. Airport security will be
completing thorough sweeps of airport properties. Expect to see
an increased presence of law enforcement personnel outside and inside
the terminal building.
Proceed inside terminal with luggage. Curbside check-in and “off
airport” checked baggage options are unavailable.
E-Ticket customers without luggage may check in at an E-Service
center. (Some airports may not provide this option.)
E-Ticket and paper ticket customers with luggage to check may proceed
to the ticket counter. Maintain baggage receipts for verification
at destination.
At the Security Checkpoint
Access beyond security restricted to passengers and airport employees
only.
Have ticket paperwork available, along with Proper ID. Prepare
to empty pockets of coins, metals etc.
Prepare to demonstrate operation of electronic equipment such as
laptops, cell phones, etc.
Be Patient. Do Not make jokes about security. Comply with
all security instructions.
Expect increased passenger and baggage security screening. Wand
checks and full-Body hand searches may be expected
At the Gate
Leave no bag unattended. Maintain sense of awareness. Expect to
see law enforcement personnel and dogs.
Keep ticket paperwork and identification available.
Expect to see teams of individuals board the aircraft before general
boarding in order to sweep the aircraft as an added security precaution.
These individuals may board the aircraft from inside the terminal
building, or may enter and exit via jet bridge stairs.
Pay attention to announcements. Board the aircraft as directed
by gate agents. Do not wait until the last minute to board the aircraft.
Onboard the aircraft
Expect to see random searches of service personnel, flight crews,
and equipment.
Listen to and follow crew instructions at all times. Flight crews
are trained to ensure passenger safety & comfort.
Be patient if departure is delayed. Passengers boarding and baggage
loading are being carefully coordinated by ground handling crew.
Upon Arrival at Destination
Proceed through the terminal beyond security. Meeting parties will
be restricted to areas outside security checkpoints.
Have Luggage receipts available when retrieving luggage for verification.
Above all have a safe & happy trip.
Let Us Know
Feel free to let us know how your trip went. If you had any problems
with hotels or attractions. We'll use this information to help make
every package we sell the best possible experience!
If you like, fill out the online enquiry
form on the contact us page. |