The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced last week it will be implementing new, stronger carry-on baggage security screening procedures at airports in Southeast Alaska.
The new procedures have already taken effect at Juneau International Airport and will be coming to Wrangell, Ketchikan, Sitka, Cordova and Yakutat over the next five weeks.
The new procedures require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for x-ray screening when going through the security checkpoint. Travelers departing affected airports will be asked to remove these items from their carry-on bags for separate screening, similarly to how laptops have been screened for several years.
“TSA continually evaluates and adapts our screening procedures when needed to keep the traveling public safe and secure,” explained Brian Cahill, TSA Federal Security Director for Alaska. “The procedures in Juneau will soon extend to airports throughout southeast Alaska and across the state. We will work closely with passengers as they get used to the new procedures to ensure an effective and efficient trip through the security screening process.”
The media release explained the new screening step will help TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image of passengers’ electronic devices. In late July, the Department of Homeland Security announced that these new carry-on procedures would be implemented at all airports in the coming months. The procedures have already been tested at 10 airports over the past several months and will be implemented at airports nationwide.
As a result of newer screening methods, travelers may experience more bag checks so it is strongly advised they arrive at any southeast Alaska airport at least 90 minutes prior to their flight’s departure.
Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to make the screening process easier. At the security checkpoint, TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to help guide them through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening.
There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint. Liquids in quantities less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces), food, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags. The new security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA pre-check who are using dedicated pre-check lanes at larger airports.
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