BY DEVONNE EDORA

PRIDE STAFF WRITER

photo courtesy of pennlive.com

As the holidays approach, students gear up to go back home. For those who live further away, flying on an airplane is the fastest way to get there. Traveling by plane, especially during the holidays, can be a stressful time. The Transport Security Administration (TSA) has bulked its security and have even experienced a backlash from the infamous “pat-downs.” To help make the trip smoother, familiarize yourself now with TSA’s rules and regulations.

In light of the events of Sept. 11, John Pistole, Administrator of the TSA, advocated that elevated airport security is crucial. Pistole said, “Nothing is more important to me than the safety of the traveling public.”

This has caused more stringent security and check points at airports which have created discomforts with travelers. What students can do to ensure a more enjoyable trip is to know what the TSA does and doesn’t prohibit. TSA has announced that their security personnel will extensively x-ray carry-on items. They suggest travelers follow a few rules to enhance efficiency.

Follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry ons. Travelers should have only one quart-sized clear, plastic zip bag that only contains 3 oz. of liquids or gels on board the aircraft. Declare larger liquids if necessary. Gifts should be unwrapped, as TSA has clearance to unwrap any suspicious items. When going through security screenings, try to pack jackets in checked baggage or wear easily removable clothes and shoes to keep the line moving. Set aside items that may set off the metal detectors such as  keys, jewelry, or PDAs.

Don’t pack oversized electronics like laptops in checked baggage. Bring them along as carry-ons. However, be ready to remove them for separate x-ray screenings. Always have your boarding pass and ID ready at all times. This way, shuffling for your ID won’t slow down the screening process. Carry-on luggage should never contain sharp objects like knives or razors. They should all be checked in before boarding.

Lastly, the TSA advises when in doubt, leave it out.

Tiffany-Raven Peters, a senior at CSUSM, just recently traveled home to Toronto, Canada and experienced the TSA security measures.

Her experience traveling to and from Canada were very different. Peters said, “Coming back from Toronto was much more strict entering back to the United States. I had to take off my school sweatshirt and they even searched my bags. I even got a pat-down by female security personnel.”

Security asked Peters to step aside, and they went through her make-up and toiletries. “They were especially eyeballing my MAC foundations, but thankfully they let me keep that, but I had to throw out my Shea butter lotion.” When asked about her feelings regarding the pat-down, she added, “I do understand the security measures that they took. However, I do believe that they need to be careful in differentiating security and invasion of personal space.”