Preparation can ease flight woes

With the summer holidays on the horizon, the Transportation Security Administration is trying to educate airline travelers on how to save time in the security screening process.

Earl Morris, the federal security director for Salt Lake City, said if passengers better prepare for their travel and are aware of what is prohibited on the airlines, the increased number of summer travelers will not hinder the security process.

"As the holidays approach, we notice a much heavier than normal flow of passengers; we keep finding that it all comes down to the passengers," Morris said. "We find that the security process will be 20 percent more efficient if passengers pack the correct way."

Scissors, pocket knives, torch lighters and spray cans are a few of the items not allowed on planes, Morris said.

"It might be obvious to us as to why they aren't allowed, but for new travelers it might not cross their mind," he said. "We still have people trying to bring on water pistols. The liquids they could actually hold in them could be a danger for us."

A tightening of security has reduced the number of bags that can be carried onto a flight. Passengers may only bring one carry-on plus a bag or object that is smaller, according to Morris.

"If travelers just adhere to those allotted number of bags, they won't get stopped and have to go back to get them rechecked," he said.

Shoe removal is not a requirement, added Morris. However, it will make things easier for airport security if shoes are removed.

A 20 percent increase in the number of prohibited items turned in is due to new travelers, Morris said.

"The further away from 9/11 we get, the more complacent people become. They feel safer or they just haven't traveled since then and are now just starting," he said. "Obviously, that creates a lot of extra work."

Mike Fierberg, public affairs manager for the TSA's Rocky Mountain region, said Salt Lake City International Airport is a model airport.

"We are passenger-friendly and try to be as efficient as possible. We also have fewer complaints than other" airports, Fierberg said.

For more information on prohibited items, visit www.TSA.gov.

---

E-mail: sbaghbani@desnews.com