Be prepared....new TSA rules for flying

This week my Facebook memories reminded me that five years ago we enjoyed a weekend in Maine with friends.  The journey started off a bit chaotic when I realized I didn't have my photo ID with me and I was an hour and a half away from home.  That led to me calling my dad at 4:30am and having him go to my house to turn my computer on so that I could remotely access a copy of my passport.  I printed the copy at the hotel and prayed the TSA would be kind to me and allow me to board with the paper copy.  I was lucky and had a very nice TSA agent allow me to board the plane and off we went to Boston.  The next day, my ID arrived via FedEx from dad, so I could have a stress free journey home.  Since then I have made sure to triple check where my ID is prior to leaving home and also have electronic copies stored on my phone just in case.  

While having the correct form of identification while traveling is so very important, it made me think about what might be changing with TSA rules due to the current Corona Virus pandemic.  Not long after thinking about that topic, an article popped up in my email detailing some of these changes.  I thought it may be helpful to share what's new in case you may be traveling in the new future.  

1. Travelers will now be able to bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer through TSA checkpoints, which does away with the previous 3.4-ounce limit.  This is for hand sanitizer only and doesn't apply to other toiletry items.  
2. TSA officers will no longer handle a passenger’s boarding pass, instead the passenger will scan their pass themselves and hold it up so the officer can inspect it without touching.
   
3. The TSA will ask that travelers keep an appropriate amount of distance between others passing through the checkpoints.
   
4. All TSA officers will be wearing masks and, while not an absolute requirement for passengers, it will encourage members of the public to do so, as well. Officers may ask some to take a mask off for security confirmation. Keep in mind that many airlines are requiring a mask while onboard.  
   
5. Any carry-on food will now need to be placed into a clear plastic bag and then placed into a bin separately (TSA Precheck members will be able to keep food inside their bag).
   
6. The TSA is also recommending that when travelers empty their pockets prior to going through security, they put their wallets, phones, and other personal items into their carry-ons instead of in a security bin, another move to eliminate touch points at security.
   

I hope these tips will help you be better prepared the next time you travel.  

Have a great week ahead! 

Until next time, 
Courtney