Do Your Part: Pack Smart

Port urges travelers to remove "innocent but inappropriate" items from carry-on

(Seattle)--Port of Seattle officials today kicked off a campaign to keep innocent but inappropriate items out of carry-on luggage. The goal is to both increase security and speed the flow of passengers through airport security checkpoints.

"Do your part, pack smart," said Gina Marie Lindsey, Managing Director of Aviation for the Port of Seattle. "By keeping innocent but inapproprate items out of carry on luggage we increase the chance that a true threat will stand out."

"We all want to do something to assist the effort against terrorism. This is a simple thing that is within the power of each traveler," said Lindsey.

Lindsey noted that sharp objects are still coming to airport checkpoints in carry-on luggage. None has been used in a threatening way, but each time a security screener must stop and deal with the item. During that time, the line waiting to get to airport gates just gets longer.

Banned items include:

Nail nippers, nail files
Razor blades, whether safety or straight-edged
Pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, Leatherman-type tools
Corkscrews
Any cutter with a blade, retractable or not

"These items might not seem like weapons," said Lindsey. "But we now know they can be adapted, and must not be on aircraft." Screeners report that many of the items seized have sentimental value to the owner. At the checkpoint, the owner is faced with either throwing them away, or possibly missing his or her flight.

"We've had people tell screeners that even things like nail nippers have been handed down from their parents and are family heirlooms," Lindsey said. Paring down carry-on luggage means that checkpoint lines will be shorter, and security will be improved. For other tips on how to Do Your Part: Pack Smart, travelers can go to the Port of Seattle's web site at http://www.portseattle.org/seatac.