TSA's Secure Flight Takes Off

TSA's latest security measure - Secure Flight, began rolling out to the airlines earlier this year. Although most of the legwork in behind the scenes between the airlines and TSA, some work is required by passengers - in advance, to avoid possible inconveniences at the airport.

How it works: Airlines collect additional information for each passenger and pass this information on to the government. Once received, names are reviewed to ensure those on government no fly lists don't make it on board, and to determine which travelers who for enhanced airport screening. This information is then transmitted back to the airlines.

Information you will need to provide the airline: Full name, as it appears on government-issued I.D when traveling; Date of Birth; Gender; Redress number (if applicable).

Secure Flight is currently being phased in with each of the airlines - not all airlines require it yet. But if you have upcoming reservations it's a good idea to check those itineraries and provide any requested information in advance.

Here's a 90 second clip from TSA with more information on the program.

New Border Crossing Rules Now in Effect

New security rules for land and sea border crossings went into effect on Monday. The rules, part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) were originally intended to start in 2008 but were delayed due to concerns on how they might impact commerce. The initiative states all U.S. citizens must present a passport, passport card or enhanced drivers license when entering the country. Some citizens may also use a trusted traveler document, which require background checks and often used by people crossing the border regularly for business. A similar requirement for entering the country by air went into effect in 2007. 

TSA To Relax Liquid Ban in 2009

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to relax current restrictions on carrying liquids through airport screening checkpoints within a year, said TSA chief Kip Hawley in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal.

“We are within a year of having the ability to differentiate threat liquids through the screening process,” said Hawley. Although several X-Ray machines are available to detect such liquids, the software to evaluate detected liquids is still being tested.

TSA has not said specifically how the anticipated ease of restrictions will benefit travelers. One possibility is larger volumes of liquids, such as a full water bottle, may be initially permitted through checkpoints, as long as it is scanned separately from bags. Later, the hope is passengers will not need to remove liquids from bags, a common frustration for air travelers.

TSA to allow laptops to stay in approved bags

A constant annoyance for travelers passing through airport security is the requirement to remove their laptop computer and place it in a separate bin for screening. It sounds like a simple task, but in particular for business travelers often traveling each week, the repetitive nature of the required task becomes a constant nuisance.

Even those traveling without laptops are affected, as the special laptop screening results in longer security security lines.

Changes are in the works.

After receiving responses from over 60 manufacturers of laptop computer bags, TSA has decided on particular "checkpoint friendly" laptop bags, which provide a clear, unobstructed view of the laptop computer as it passes through the X-ray machine.

"Checkpoint friendly" bags must have a dedicated laptop-only section (see illustration above)which unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray machine belt, contains no metal snaps, zippers, buckles or pockets.

The new rules go into effect on August 16th are expected to streamline the security checkpoint process.

TSA launches 'Evolution of Security' website

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), most notably known as the men and women working airport security checkpoints throughout the United States, have started their own blog. Titled, "The Evolution of Security," the TSA hopes their blog will initiate dialog about issues that effect travelers. Likewise, they plan on using this forum to help answer the "why" questions many travelers have about existing security methods TSA employs. Moderation of the blog is performed by various TSA personnel from around the country.

Visit "The Evolution of Security"