TSA highlights new screening procedures for carry-on items at Rochester International Airport

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Local Press Release
Tuesday, March 13, 2018

ROCHESTER, Minn. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented stronger carry-on baggage security screening procedures that travelers can expect to see when departing Rochester International Airport (RST).

The procedures, which are being fully implemented today, require travelers to place all electronic devices larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening when going through the security checkpoint. The electronics should be placed in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for several years.

The new screening procedures were tested at 10 airports across the country over the past two years. The procedures will be implemented at all airports nationwide by late spring 2018.  The new security measures do not apply to passengers who are being screened in a dedicated TSA Pre✓® lane, which TSA now operates at RST.

“Travelers departing Rochester International Airport will notice a change in the screening procedures for their carry-on baggage,” said Cliff Van Leuven, TSA Federal Security Director for Minnesota. “The simple step of removing electronics larger than a cell phone from carry-ons will allow TSA officers to get a clear view on the x-ray screen of the electronics as well as a clearer and uncluttered view of the contents of the carry-on bag.”

TSA constantly evaluates and updates screening procedures to keep the traveling public secure by staying ahead of evolving threats. This is why travelers may notice changes in TSA’s screening protocols from time to time.

TSA officers at the security checkpoint will answer questions about the new procedures and provide guidance when going through screening. Please listen to the direction the officers are giving to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Travelers should continue to remove their one-quart bag containing liquids, gels and aerosols in quantities of less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces) from their carry-on bag. However, the new procedures now require the bag to be placed in a bin by itself for X-ray screening. By simply removing these specific items from the carry-on, TSA officers are able to obtain a clearer view of them on the x-ray screen.

With the new procedures, passengers may experience more bag checks. However, TSA has identified ways to more quickly improve the detection of prohibited items by using targeted measures to clear potential threat items in carry-on bags. As always, it is strongly advised that passengers follow RST’s arrival time recommendations.

Travelers can prepare for these new procedures by following a few simple steps:

  • Organize the carry-on bag so electronics larger than a cell phone can be quickly and easily accessed when at the security checkpoint.
     
  • Ensure the quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols can also be accessed quickly and easily.
     
  • Don’t overstuff the carry-on bag. An uncluttered bag makes the screening process easier and quicker for passengers and TSA officers. Consider checking bags when feasible.
     
  • Once screening is complete, be sure to put all electronics back in the carry-on bag. Double-check the bins to make sure nothing is left behind.

There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint. Liquids in quantities of less than 100 ml (3.4 ounces), food, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.

Last summer, DHS launched a broad initiative to enhance security requirements for all direct commercial flights into the United States. These measures, both seen and unseen, include enhanced screening of passengers and electronic devices as well as heightened security standards for aircraft and airports at nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance and implement these security measures.

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