The summer travel season is just around the corner and Syracuse TSA officials want airline travelers to be prepared. Federal Security Director of Upstate New York Bart Johnson shares some tips for a faster screening process.
"This is what I do when I travel," Johnson said. "I make sure that I pack appropriately. I make sure that I have my ID ready. I make sure that show up two hours ahead of time, and I don't mean pulling into the parking lot. I mean I'm here and ready to go two ours before my scheduled travel. I check my bag to make sure I don't have any prohibited items."
The agency is encouraging travelers to look into TSA Pre-Check which performs background checks ahead of time and eliminates tedious security measures such as having to remove your shoes. One of the main reasons for long lines is travelers trying to get prohibited items through security. Spokesperson Lisa Farbstein brought out buckets of confiscated items people mistakenly had on their person or in their carry-on bags.
"You just can't imagine, every kind of knife in the book," Farbstein said as she emptied a container full of knives. "Folding knives. These are called locking blade knives. These are kitchen knives, scissors. You see pocket knives, tiny little pocket knives. You see the multi-tools. And these items you see here are fine to put in to your checked bag. You just never want to see these at a checkpoint."
Recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and around the globe have kept authorities on alert for suspicious activity. The attacks at the Brussels International Airport in 2016 concern security officials such as the TSA’s Bart Johnson.
"If you see something suspicious that doesn't seem to be right, say something. Report it to law enforcement, report it to a TSA Officer."
Johnson points out there’s no credible threat at this time. But, due to the high volume of anticipated travel during the summer months, he encourages travelers to remain vigilant. For baggage tips visit TSA.govor download their mobile App.
