Air travel seems to get more complicated each year, especially when it comes to airport security. The Transportation Security Administration is responsible for enforcing many of the rules and regulations regarding air travel, and is tasked with protecting all U.S. transportation systems. TSA officers are known for their strict adherence to rules. However, there are things that travelers can do to minimize the time spent in screening lines and to avoid issues that may cause them to be selected for additional examination.
- Have travel documents ready. Travelers should be able to easily access and remove their driver’s licenses or other picture IDs, and have their boarding passes ready before entering the screening area. Parents traveling with children should consider carrying copies of their birth certificates as identification documents.
- Wear slip-on shoes. Passengers 75 years and older, or 12 years and younger, are usually not required to remove their shoes or light jackets during screening. Everyone else is required to remove their jackets and shoes, so consider wearing shoes that slip on and off easily.
- Know the rules for liquids. Any liquids, aerosols and gels packed in carry-on bags must follow what TSA calls the “3-1-1 liquids” rule. Each container must contain no more than 3.4 ounces. All liquids must fit in a single, clear plastic quart-sized zip-top bag, and one bag is permitted per passenger.
- Know which items are prohibited in carry-on bags. The TSA has a comprehensive list here, but as a general rule don’t put any weapons, explosives, flammable items or anything that could be used as a weapon in carry-on bags.
- Pack neatly and in layers. This will make it easier for a TSA officer to search carry-on bags.
- Carry a TSA notification card. Travelers who have medical conditions, devices or disabilities that may trigger screening devices should carry a TSA notification card as well as medical documentation from their doctors. Detailed information about many medical conditions and what to expect during screening can be found on the TSA’s website.
- Consider paying for expedited screening. For an $85 fee, TSA Preè allows travelers to skip screening requirements such as removing shoes, belts and liquids from carry-on bags. Each applicant for Preè is required to make an in-person appointment at a screening center for a background check, including fingerprinting. For international travelers, Global Entry provides expedited entry to the United States for pre-screened passengers. Global Entry is a program of the S. Customs and Border Protection agency and has a non-refundable application fee of $100.
- Consider traveling with a medical escort. Even with pre-clearance and allowances for medical conditions, the screening process may be difficult or stressful for travelers who are sick, have physical limitations, or who have brain disorders. Trained medical escorts can assist travelers by gathering all required or recommended documentation in advance; helping them throughout the screening process; and flying with them to ensure they reach their destination in safety and comfort.
Medical Escort Flights from SentinelMED
SentinelMED provides domestic and international medical transport, medical repatriation, and medical escort flight services to help navigate the complexities of long-distance travel. SentinelMED works closely with medical providers, commercial airlines, family members and travelers to arrange for safe and comfortable travel for people who are sick, have long-term health concerns, or are elderly.
The SentinelMED team can arrange door-to-door transportation for patients who become seriously ill or injured while traveling far from home. Our team works closely with hospital case managers to coordinate patient care from discharge at a medical facility to acceptance at a receiving health care facility, or to the home of a family member.
The SentinelMED team understands the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
