Important Airport Security Changes Coming Dec. 22

Airline travelers will notice some changes in airport security measures starting December 22, according to the Transportation Security Agency (TSA). The specific changes include more additional screenings of passengers and their bags using a variety of methods selected at random. Passengers will also once again be able to carry small tools and scissors on-board aircraft. These changes will allow TSA to focus resources on more serious threats, like explosives.

Beginning December 22, passengers may be subjected to random additional searches of their person or their property. Examples of this additional screening include: explosive screening of shoes, hand-wanding of passengers, enhanced pat down searches and inspections of carry-on bags. TSA says the random searches will take less than one minute.

In a significant relaxing of security measures established after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, scissors with a cutting edge of four inches or less and tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers smaller than seven inches will be permitted on board. Scissors longer than four inches and tools such as crowbars, drills, hammers, and saws will continue to be prohibited from carry-on bags. Lighters will continue to be banned from the cabin of aircraft and in checked baggage.

Also See: How to Avoid Holiday Air Travel Security Delays