Boarding passes – Instead of handing over your boarding pass to the TSA officer, you will place your boarding pass on the reader yourself, and then hold it up for them to visually inspect it. This allows for a no-touch experience, reducing the potential for cross-contamination.

X-rays – There will be increased x-rays of food. You will need to place any carry-on food items into a clear plastic bag and then place the bag into a bin. This allows the TSA officer to check your food items without having to touch anything, reducing cross-contamination. TSA PreCheck members will not need to remove items from their bags.

Pack Smart – Make sure you don’t have any prohibited items in your carry on, like liquids greater than 3.4 ounces (water bottles, toiletries). The TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. You are required to remove it prior to x-rays. If there is any prohibited item in your bag, you will be directed outside of security to remove the items and re-scan your items at x-ray.

Social Distancing – you will need to allow for social distancing, increasing distances between passengers in line, and staggering use of lanes where available. Watch for visual reminders with proper spacing on the floors.

Masks – TSA officers are now wearing masks and travelers are encouraged to wear them through security also. You may need to adjust your mask during the screening process. Remove items from your pockets, belts, wallets, keys and phones and place them in your carry-on bag instead of bins in order to reduce cross-contamination.

Some other changes you may see include reduced security lanes, TSA wearing plastic face shields, TSA changing gloves after every pat-down, plastic shielding installed at travel document check points, and increased cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces around the screening areas.

Please check with your airline prior to your trip for COVID specific guidance, and arrive at the airport early to allow plenty of time to check in and complete security screening. Travel Masters will also help you navigate the new guidelines for travel when you book your next trip.