Walker Field Airport

While frequent travelers are surely aware of the rules and regulations set in place in most airports, those who seldom travel by air or go on trips will surely be surprised on how much airport security requirements have changed over the years. Since the Septemeber 11 attack, security in airports around the world have greatly tightened. Airport security personnel have also doubled and the amount of body and baggage scans that passengers have to go through has also increased. However, the security requirements implemented still vary greatly from airport to airport. That being said, it would be a good idea to educate yourself about the basic airport security requirements to ensure a hassle-free trip.

Identifications Required For Airport Checkpoints

TSA, or the Transportation Security Administration, requires passengers 18 and over to bring at least one valid, state-issued identification. This is important so that they will be allowed to enter the airport premises and board their respective flights. When travelling domestically, be sure to carry at least one or two valid ids with you so in case the security officer asks for one you will be able to present something. For international travelers, be sure to present your passport and other related travel documents. In case, you forgot your ID, there is no need to worry since most airports have access to public databases which can be used to verify your identify, that is, if you are willing to supply them with additional information about yourself. Some of the acceptable IDs that you can present include but not limited to the following:

• Passport or passport card
• Border crossing card or permanent resident card
• Airline or airport issued ID
• Transportation worker identification credential (TWIC)
• Driver’s license

When Travelling With Foods or Gifts

Travelling with foods or gifts can present a big challenge as airports implement a strict rule when it comes to bringing items in the plane. If you are one of those people who like to bring foods or carry a lot of souvenirs when you travel , then you should know what and what not to bring through the security checkpoints. Some of the list of items that you should either put in your checked baggage or have shipped ahead include salsas, liquors, salad dressing, cranberry sauce, jellies, lotions and perfume, to name a few.

For gifts, it is advised that you do not wrap them as they will likely be unwrapped by the airport security officer for checking. If possible, just ship the gifts ahead to avoid the hassle of going through numerous baggage checks.

Simple and Useful Check-in Tips

Arriving early prior to your scheduled flight is a good idea as this will give you enough time to conveniently move through security checkpoints and check your baggage. It would be better if you wear slip-on shoes so it will be easier for you to remove them without needing to sit down. Most airports would require passengers to remove their shoes when passing through body scans. Body piercing, watch and other items made of metal should be placed inside the bag to avoid triggering the metal detectors. Removing these items before you pass through the scans will lessen the likeliness of requiring additional body search and screening. If you are unsure if a particular item is prohibited or not, it is best to leave it or ship it ahead to avoid encountering problems with the security personnel.

Conforming with these airport security requirements will help you get through the line faster while at the same time lessening the chance of needing additional baggage inspections, security checks and body screening.

Tags: airport checkpoints, body screening, borders, check in tips, identification, passport, tsa