Airport Security – What Travelers Need to Know

Since the tragic events of 9/11, Airports have taken great strides to ensure the safety of their measures. Many new security measures have been implemented that travelers should be aware of before going to the airport.

The following is a list of important security essentials that travelers should know when they go to the airport:

1. Because of the security measures that have been implemented, one may expect longer security check lines so checking in for the flight may take longer than in the past. Airports recommend that you arrive at the airport about two hours before your scheduled flight.

2. The first checkpoint is registering for your plane seat. You will have to show your boarding pass and a form of identification such as a drivers license or a government issued identification card.

3. When you arrive at the security check point, you will be required to put your carry-on bag through the scanner. There will be a bin for placing your coat that will be scanned before you walk through the metal detector. Before going through the metal detector, you will have to remove any items you are wearing and put them in a bin for scanning. Some airports now have — shoe sniff — devices that analyze your shoes for the presence of explosive materials. If the scanner picks up something unusual, you and your bag will be searched. The security agent may pass a wand with a removable filter that will test for explosive residue.

4. X-ray body imaging machines at airports, called backscatter devices, are being installed in up to 30 airports. The machines are intended to replace the physical pat-down some passengers receive.

5. In August, 2006, rules were implemented to allow passengers on US and European flights to carry only 3 ounces/100 ml of liquids or gels through airport security in a clear Ziploc type plastic bag. Beverages purchased in the airport after clearing security are allowed. You are permitted to bring more than 100ml of baby formula, baby food, milk, or juice prescription and essential non-prescription medicines. You must declare these items at the security check desk.

6. Items that are considered weapons are banned such as knives, tools, pepper spray, and scissors. As well, loose batteries are not allowed on the flight. Lithium ion batteries in cell phones and laptops are allowed. You may not pack loose lithium batteries in your checked baggage, but spare lithium batteries are permitted in carry-on baggage. It is important to check with the airport if you have a concern about what items you are bringing.

7. Other security areas being enhanced include random screening of employees, stronger air cargo security measures, additional canine patrols, more thorough identity verification, deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal, and improved screening by observation techniques.

Many travelers do not think they have to worry about security checks, however, if you are caught with a banned item, you could be fined and even prosecuted. The last thing you want to happen is to be prevented from boarding your flight, or even worse, end up on the no fly list.

Don’t Leave Home without Travel Insurance

You’ve finally saved enough to go on that dream vacation you’ve been planning. Now you’re wondering if you should buy travel insurance. Do I really need to go to the extra expense? All I can lose is my luggage, right? Travel insurance is also very important if you plan to take a driving vacation. Many automobile policies will not extend coverage outside the country you live.

The last thing you want to worry about is how to pay for a rental vehicle that got smashed by another driver, or take over the costs of repairing a car who you may have hit (a risk anyone takes by travelling through unfamiliar roads with unfamiliar driving rules). Most travel insurance policies are designed for a variety of travel needs but, I emphatically advise reading the fine print of any policy you purchase regarding any deductibles and health situations.

You many find your policy won’t cover pre-existing conditions that may cause a problem, or that the medical coverage is only for an injury or an illness — not both. For emergency aid, travel insurance polices are generally dependable and affordable, but there are still a myriad of gaps in the coverage provided. Guess again! Anything can go wrong while you are traveling, and I strongly favor buying a policy.

The majority of world travelers tend to be quite young and with youth there comes a certain sense of immortality. The idea of paying what seems like a large sum of money for something you cannot see—and most often will never use—can seem ridiculous to a young traveler. It is tempting to ignore this travel essential with the attitude that “youth is on your side.” This idea is a dangerous myth, however, as an accident or illness in a foreign country can affect anyone, regardless of age. If you don’t have any form of travel insurance, your life could be in danger, either literally or in terms of the financial damage the medical costs could inflict upon you.

A friend of mine was traveling with her boyfriend in Thailand when he accidentally fell down a steep, rocky cliff one night. After several operations, a helicopter transfer to the mainland and hospital fees over many weeks, the bill reached over US$2,000,000. Luckily, they had bought travel insurance at the last minute and were, therefore, covered for all eventualities. Imagine if they had not? I cannot, therefore, overstress the importance of buying travel insurance for any overseas trip, no matter how long or short. Everybody needs some form of travel insurance.

Your insurance policy should offer at least US$2,000,000 in medical expenses in case the very worst happens, preferably more if possible. It should also offer 24-hour emergency service and repatriation in case you need to be flown home. This is the absolute minimum that any travel insurance policy should provide you with in order to travel safely and without worry.