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Jill Stone

Your Meeting Matchmaker Fairy Godmother

The New Way to TSA

in: Travel and Hospitality

TSA

We’ve talked about the new protocols put in place by hotels and airlines in response to COVID-19, now onto the TSA. Here is what to be prepared for and what to expect:

  • Wearing a facemask is encouraged, but know that during the screening process a TSA officer may ask the face covering be adjusted.
  • Personal items like keys, wallets, etc. should be kept in the carry on; it will be screened through the X-ray system.
  • Due to the reduced number of travelers, expect some checkpoints to be closed. Passengers will be directed to other checkpoints as necessary.
  • Social distancing, 6 feet apart, will also be encouraged when possible, visual reminders have been posted.
  • There are new guidelines for frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.
  • TSA officers will change to a new pair of fresh gloves upon passenger request.
  • New explosive trace detections swabs will also be used for each person.
  • The 3.4-ounce rule still applies for toiletries, but passengers may carry a liquid hand sanitizer container of up to 12 ounces.
  • Driver’s license/State Issued IDs that expired on or after March 1, 2020 will be accepted at checkpoint.
  • The new deadline to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is now October 1, 2021.

On the TSA Coronavirus site, they encourage people to practice good hygiene and to wash hands before and after going through security. The page also shares information about the number of TSA employees that have tested positive for COVID-19.

Homeland Security asked TSA Administrator David Pekoske questions about the steps TSA is taking to protect its employees, which includes the use of N95 respirators as well as eye protection. His response can be found here.

In the case there are other questions concerning security checkpoints, check out the TSA FAQ page. The page answers many questions, including what can and cannot be carried on board, information about body piercing, musical instrument screening, screening procedures for transgender persons, those with disabilities and medical conditions, service animals, etc.

We’ve done this before, and we can do it again. As the world experiences changes, we change along with it. Stay safe, meeting planners!

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