• Extra screening for passengers and their luggage is now conducted, so it makes sense to consider the time required when making travel plans.• The TSA performed extensive background checks for airport employees and beefed up airport police personnel.• Liquids above 3.4 ounces are not allowed in carry-on bags. The exceptions to this rule are baby formulas and medications.• No one is allowed beyond the security checkpoint without a boarding pass.• A September 11th security fee was tacked onto all passengers’ tickets in order to offset airport security costs.
Airport security before 9/11 was a necessary step, however it required less interaction between passengers and airport personnel than it does today. Gone are the days of having your family members wait with you at your gate until you board or having them pick you up straight from the gate as soon as you arrive. Due to changes in airport security concerns after 9/11, one principle change is that no-one is allowed to go to the gate without a boarding pass.
Although the effects of 9/11 have made traveling by air seem more complicated, the changes have also making travel safer by, among other things, helping ensure that no weapons of any kind are taken on flights.
President George W Bush put into effect the new security standards in November 2001 to ensure travels during the holidays were regulated. Congress then passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA), which formed the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA. Before these changes occurred, security measures were left to each airport, and each one received their security from various private agencies.
The First Goal of Airport Security After 9/11
The first action that the TSA took was to run criminal background checks on airport employees and provide more police presence in airport terminals. In the nine years after 9/11, the TSA collected $15 billion in what were called September 11th security fees. These fees were added to tickets to help the TSA pay for their extra security costs.
How Passengers Are Impacted by Post 9/11 Regulations in Airport Security
• Extra screening and baggage checkYou should expect to arrive at least two hours early for your domestic flight so that you have enough time to get screened and to have your baggage thoroughly checked by security personnel.
For international flights, it is recommended that you arrive at least three hours before your scheduled departure time. Each passenger is limited to one carry-on and one personal item, such as a purse or computer bag, no matter the airline.
• Liquids on boardThe TSA’s current liquid rule is simplified into what is called a 3-1-1. This means that passengers are allowed only bottles that are 3.4 ounces or less, zip-top bags that are 1 quart in size, and one bag per person. This is one of most noticeable effects of 9/11 on the air travel procedure.
• Shoes, clothes, and jewelryYour shoes will have to be taken off before you enter the security scanner, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can easily slip on and off.
If you typically have some type of insert in your shoes, make sure to place it in your checked bag as it will be tossed away if this is not done.
Outer clothing, such as jackets and coats, has to be taken off as well and placed in the security bins.
Any buckles and metal on clothing will need to be taken off, or you will be asked to go with an agent for further screening.
Any jewelry worn will set off the metal detector and thus extend your time with a TSA agent.
• Pockets inside outAny loose change, keys, or phones inside your pocket will need to be placed into the bins provided by the TSA.
• Babies and strollersBaby formula is an exception to the 3-1-1 rule. However, formulas will still be checked by a TSA agent to verify the contents. Children will have to be removed from strollers and walk or be carried through the security scanner.
If a stroller can fold down small enough, it will go through the X-ray machine; otherwise, it will need to be manually checked by a TSA agent.
Millions of passengers each year pass through airport security efficiently and the post-9/11 regulations will ensure you have a safe flight to your destination. If you allow enough time to pass through security and cooperate with airport staff then you’ll be able to continue your journey efficiently.
