A Public Affairs Manager from the TSA office in Virginia was in Rochester today sharing new rules and tips. Here are a few things:
One, the bins at security. The TSA says fill them up. Use as many as you need. And an idea for you: as you are taking out your wallet and ID and your keys and phone and putting them in the bin, use a plastic grocery bag and put those small items in the plastic bag and then into the bin.
That way, you can grab the bag at the end and not leave those small, important things behind which the TSA says happens all the time.
New this year, you can bring a snow globe in your carry on as long as it is smaller than a tennis ball (more specifically, less than 3.4 oz).
Also new this year, kids 12 and under and people 75 and older do not need to take off their shoes at the security checkpoint.
As for drinking water, you can drink a water bottle in line and then take the bottle through security as long as it is empty. Then you can fill it up on the other side.
Curious about specific things you can or can't bring though? You can always go to the TSA app (it's free) or TSA.gov and enter an item into the "Can I Bring It" section.
TSA Public Affairs Manager Lisa Farbstein also told us about something called a gate pass. "If you are dropping off a small child, say to fly to their grandparents house for the holiday, you can ask your airline for a gate pass. Here's one I used with my mother, she's elderly and she uses a walker or a cane. And so I escorted her to the gate. I have to go through screening too, just like you, if you are going to be escorting someone. This is a nice way to make sure your elderly parent or small child gets to the gate safely," Farbstein told us.
Some other advice straight from the press release: "food items such as pies and cakes are permitted, but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it it to a destination in advance".
Finally, travelers with medical conditions or disabilities should call the TSA Cares Hotline (1-855-787-2227) 72 hours before their flight for information about screening that is relevant to the passenger's specific disability or medical condition.
