(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented new and stronger carry-on baggage security screening procedures at Juneau International Airport and the same procedures are coming to five other airports in southeast Alaska within the next five weeks.

The new procedures require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for x-ray screening when going through the security checkpoint. In addition to Juneau, these procedures will soon be in place at Cordova Municipal Airport, Ketchikan International Airport, Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport, Wrangell Airport, and Yakutat Airport.

“TSA continually evaluates and adapts our screening procedures when needed to keep the traveling public safe and secure,” said Brian Cahill, TSA Federal Security Director for Alaska. “The procedures in Juneau will soon extend to airports throughout southeast Alaska and across the state. We will work closely with passengers as they get used to the new procedures to ensure an effective and efficient trip through the security screening process.”

Travelers departing airports where the new procedures are in place will be asked to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags. The electronics should be placed in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for several years.

This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image of electronic devices. The new screening procedures were tested at 10 airports over the past several months and will be implemented at airports nationwide.

TSA has identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear potential threat items in carry-on bags. However, passengers may experience more bag checks so it is strongly advised that passengers arrive at any southeast Alaska airport at least 90 minutes prior to their flight’s departure.

At the security checkpoint, TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to make the screening process easier.

There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint. Liquids in quantities less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces), food, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags. The new security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre?® who are using dedicated TSA Pre?® lanes.

In late July, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that these new carry-on procedures would be implemented at all airports in the coming months. It is part of an effort to raise the baseline for aviation security and stay ahead of the evolving threat against aviation.

In late June, DHS announced new security procedures for nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance security measures.

Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

TSA
www.tsa.gov

 

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