TAMPA BAY - Tampa International Airport reminds customers that air travel always increases over the holiday season. The Air Transport Association is forecasting that 25 million passengers will travel globally on U.S. airlines during the 2006 Thanksgiving holiday season, which runs from Friday, Nov. 17, through
Tuesday, Nov. 28.
During the holidays, Airport parking may be close to filling to capacity; therefore, those who can make alternate transportation plans, such as having a friend drop you off or using a taxi or a limo service instead of driving to the Airport, are encouraged to do so.
Departing
- Heavy Travel Days. Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 26 and
Monday, Nov. 27. Airport customers are advised to allow more time during these peak travel times to make airline connections.
- Allow Sufficient Time. Plan to arrive at the airport two hours prior to scheduled domestic departure time.
- New Security Rule. No large containers of liquids in carry-on bags - the liquid and gel volume allowed has recently changed to 3.4 oz (100ml). There is one exception - Children may carry juice.
- Pack Smart. 3.4 oz or smaller containers of liquid or gel must be placed inside a one quart size clear plastic, zip-top bag and only one bag per traveler. Larger containers should be placed inside checked baggage.
- Don't Lock Checked Baggage. Leave baggage unlocked in case it needs to be inspected as part of the security procedures. Or use TSA approved special locks.
- Identification. All travelers 18 years of age and older must show a government issued photo ID, such as a valid driver's license, a passport or military ID. If you do not have one of the above, you may show two forms of non-photo ID, at least one of which must be issued by a local, state or federal government agency such as the following: birth certificate, Medicare card, voter registration card, Social Security card. Ensure that the name on your itinerary matches the name on your identification.
- Cell Phones. Identify someone in your stored telephone directory as a relative - spouse, parent or friend - not just a name, so that they can be contacted if you lose your cell.
- Identify Baggage. Place identification tags inside and outside of all baggage. Don't forget laptop computers.
- Limit Carry-Ons. Airlines are enforcing regulations on the size and limiting the number of carry-ons. Check with your airline for guidance.
- Handle Prohibited Items Properly. Everyone should know that firearms and large knives are prohibited at the passenger checkpoint. But pocketknives, pointed scissors, self-defense sprays and other potential weapons also are not allowed in the aircraft cabin. Please place these items in checked bags or leave them at home. Go to the TSA Web site at www.tsa.gov for a complete list of prohibited items.
- Be Prepared for Screening. The zip-top plastic bag containing 3 ounce or less toiletries and medication must be removed from carry-on bag for screening. To maximize efficiency at the security checkpoint be sure that all metal is removed and stowed in your carry-on baggage.
Arriving
- Picking Up Passengers. New Curbside management procedures have been created to give customers timely access to the curbsides, provide real-time flight information and options when delays occur. Options include the new cell phone lot, which provides an area to wait until passengers call for pick up. Plus, it is free of charge. Customers may also park in the Short or Long Term Garage and wait in the terminal because the first hour is free.
Visit Airport website. www.tampaairport.com - for current information and to check airline departure and arrival times.
More travel tips
The Air Transport Association, Airports Council International - North America and the Transportation Security Administration are informing the traveling public how they can prepare for security screening during the busy holiday travel season.
Passengers can greatly affect their experience at the airport by preparing in advance. This includes: Packing liquids, gels and aerosols in checked baggage whenever possible, using 3-1-1 for carry-ons, arriving early and ensuring they are not traveling with prohibited items.
For individuals who must carry liquids, gels and aerosols through the security checkpoint, it's as easy as 3-1-1.
- All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a 3 ounce or smaller container.
- These containers must be placed in a 1 quart, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
- One bag per passenger placed in a plastic bin for screening.
The limitation on liquids reflects changes made after the foiled terror plot involving the possible use of liquid explosives in London on Aug. 10. In response, TSA immediately banned all liquids at security checkpoints. The ban was modified on Sept. 25 after extensive testing showed that small amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols did not pose a significant threat.
TSA Administrator Kip Hawley said, "By knowing the rules and remembering 3-1-1, travelers can make a big difference in TSA's ability to efficiently and effectively screen all passengers and their baggage. Each time a physical inspection of a carry-on bag is required, it not only slows the individual traveler down but the entire security line."
The 12-day Thanksgiving holiday period is traditionally the busiest of the year and ATA predicts 25 million passengers will take to the skies Friday, Nov. 17 through Tuesday, Nov. 28.
"Airports will be packed for periods of time over this Thanksgiving season and the best advice is to be prepared," ATA President and CEO James C. May. "The airlines have no greater priority than the safe and convenient travel of our customers and we will work with TSA and ACI-NA to ensure this happens."
Through posters at ticket counters, banners at airports, advertisements on parking shuttles, road signs, extra customer service staff, travel tips on each organization's web site and many other ways, the airlines, airports and TSA are educating travelers before they reach the security checkpoint.
"Through the combined efforts of airport and airline staff and the TSA, we're making an unprecedented effort to ensure that passengers have the information they need to get through security checkpoints efficiently this holiday season," said ACI-NA President Greg Principato.
Below are other tips travelers should know before they leave home this holiday season. A full list of tips and prohibited items is available at www.tsa.gov/travelers.
- Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package they may have to unwrap your gift. Please wrap gifts after arriving at your destination.
- Pack smart. Bringing prohibited items to the airport will delay the screening process for you and other passengers. If you're not sure which items are allowed, check TSA's Web site for a complete list.
- Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. You must have a boarding pass and valid government photo ID to enter the security checkpoint. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
- Dress the part. 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. Remember that all shoes must be removed and screened by TSA. Passengers also need to remove blazers, suit coats and bulky sweaters in addition to outer garments.
- Film. Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag. Hand film that is faster than 800-speed to a security officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.
- 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.
To get the 3-1-1 on Air Travel , please visit www.TSA.gov/311.
