BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — If you're planning to fly during the Thanksgiving holiday period, here are some steps that you can take now, well ahead of Thanksgiving, to help ensure that you won't be a turkey when you get to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint at the airport.
TSA is well-aware that many people have not traveled in several months, so here is what you need to do now to be prepared later.
Tip 1: Know what to expect when traveling during a global pandemic and don't forget your mask TSA has implemented changes to the security screening process to reduce the potential for cross-contamination in the security checkpoint known as the "Stay Healthy. Stay Secure." campaign. It focuses on modifications to procedures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Passengers can expect to see:
- TSA officers wearing masks and gloves at the checkpoint, and they may be wearing eye
protection or clear plastic face shields.
- Passengers wearing masks. Travelers will be asked to momentarily remove their masks to
verify their identity. It never hurts to pack an extra mask or two for use during your air travels.
- Social distancing among travelers in the checkpoint line and among TSA officers.
- Acrylic shielding installed at various locations throughout the TSA checkpoint.
- Increased cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched checkpoint surfaces and screening equipment, including bins.
- TSA officers changing gloves after each pat-down and at the request of any passenger.
- Ability to bring one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on luggage. Be prepared to remove it from the carry-on for a special screening.
Tip 2: Enroll in TSA PreCheck® now to expedite screening and reduce touch points. Travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck don't have to remove their shoes, belts, lightweight jackets, electronics or their bag of travel-size liquids and gels. Not only is that convenient, but during a pandemic, it reduces touchpoints since travelers will not need to remove those items. Now more than ever, TSA PreCheck is a valuable program for travelers.
There is an enrollment center located at 7737 Meany Avenue in Bakersfield. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you enroll this week, you will likely be eligible for TSA PreCheck by Thanksgiving. Start the enrollment process at www.tsa.gov/precheck. Tip 3: Know what foods you can bring with you before you commit to bringing that special dish to contribute to the Thanksgiving feast.
Tip 4: Don't wait: download the free myTSA app now. The free, downloadable myTSA app is a traveler's best friend and a trusty source for last-minute travel questions. The myTSA app provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information. Save time and money with our helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable "Can I Bring" database All you need to do is type in the name of an item and the app will let you know if you should pack it in your checked or carry-on bag.
Tip 5: Follow TSA on Twitter to get tips and answers to your last minute questions. If you're unsure whether an item should go in a carry-on bag or you have any other last-minute questions, send them to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger. Follow @TSA on Twitter to learn some helpful travel tips that are posted regularly so you can be the savvy traveler this Thanksgiving travel season.
