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There are new security measures in place. They vary for domestic and international flights and by carrier. Read the TSA update. Travelers with questions should check directly with their airline.
What kind of traveler are you? At Sea-Tac's Central Security Checkpoint, passengers can now pick their security lane based their travel needs and experience.
Expert
This lane is designed for business travelers who fly several times a month.
Casual
This is the lane for passengers who travel less frequently, but are familiar with the security process.
Family/Special Assistance
This lane is designated for passengers traveling with small children, elderly passengers or travelers who may need special assistance.
More information, including an instructional video, is available on the Transportation Security Administration's Web site.
A new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, took effect on January 1, 2008. Loose extended-life, spare rechargeable lithium batteries are no longer allowed in checked luggage and there are restrictions on packing lithium batteries in carry-ons. Full details are posted on the government's Safe Travel site.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stepped up inspection of remote-control toys at airport security checkpoints. Passengers carrying these toys, including children, may be subject to additional security. While remote-control toys are still allowed on planes, the TSA recommends that they be packed in checked luggage.
The TSA has announced that, while there is no specific threat, remote-control toys could result in a security concern. More information is posted on the TSA's Web site.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now requires passengers to remove all large electronic items from their carry-ons at security checkpoints.
Items that now need to be screened separately include:
The new requirement does not affect electronic items in checked luggage. More information on airport security restrictions can be found on the Transportation Security Administration's Web site.
Most types of cigarette lighters are once again allowed in carry-on luggage. The ban has been lifted on disposable butane lighters, such as Bics, and refillable lighters, such as Zippos. Torch lighters, which have a hotter flame, will continue to be banned.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also modified the rules associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints. Mothers flying with, and now without, their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.
More information is available on the TSA Web site.
Liquids, gels and aerosols are once again allowed in carry-on baggage, but in limited quantities and with some very specific packing requirements by the Transportation Security Administration.
Here's the 3-1-1 rule:
3: All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are partially full and rolled up toothpaste tubes are not allowed.
1-1: All liquids, gels and aerosols must be packed in a single, one-quart , zip-top, clear plastic bag. Larger bags or bags that are not zip-top, such as fold-over sandwich bags, are not allowed. Each traveler may carry-on only one plastic bag of liquids and gels and it must be inspected separately. Travelers should remove their quart-sized plastic bag from their carry-on luggage and place it on the conveyer belt for screening.
Larger amounts of liquids can be carried in checked luggage.
Travelers may continue to bring the following items through security and on flights:
More information is available on the Transportation Security Administration's Web site.
Passengers are still restricted from wearing gel inserts in shoes. All shoes, even sandals and flip flops, must be removed at the security checkpoints and passed through the x-ray machine. Shoes constructed with gel inserts may be worn, but must be removed and x-rayed at security.
Travelers with luggage in hand are allowed to take two items on board their flights - one bag plus one personal item such as a purse, laptop or briefcase.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. The items below can be carried in addition to one bag and one personal item:
More details and key travel tips are available on the Transportation Security Administration's Web site.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that all checked bags be left unlocked, but that can leave luggage vulnerable to pilfering or accidentally opening.
New TSA-approved, reusable luggage locks that give security staff access to your bags, but cannot be opened by unauthorized parties, can be purchased at Ken's Baggage Storage & Rentals on the Baggage Claim level between Carousels 12 and 13.
The locks, which sell for $12, have re-settable combination locks. The TSA has a master key.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners use great care in inspecting checked luggage. Occasionally, problems do arise. Travelers can report missing items to TSA Customer Service Manager via e-mail or phone at 1 (866) 289-9673. The TSA claims form for missing or damaged items can also be downloaded from their Web site.
Passengers can also report stolen luggage to the Port of Seattle Police Department, (206) 433-5401.