With the constantly changing security practices at US airports, it is important to keep up to date on the airports you will be using. Usually, accurate and timely information is available on the airline carrier sites. It is advisable to access the airline websites prior to departure from home/hotel/office to see what time estimates are given for security processing. Times vary by hour and day of week. Expect more delays.

Baggage: All checked luggage must undergo inspection. Checked luggage should not be locked. If you wish to lock your luggage after it is inspected, some airports will permit you to stay with the luggage until it has passed through the required checkpoints. If you send luggage through checkpoints with locks intact, the security personnel are allowed to cut them off if it is necessary to physically open and inspect the bag's contents. Many passengers are using colored nylon cable ties to lock luggage. If your luggage is opened for security reasons the security officer places a notice or card inside the luggage. Some airports lock luggage with the nylon cable ties after inspection is complete (not all).


U.S. ARRIVALS FACE RADIATION CHECK. All travelers arriving in the U.S. are being screened by federal border inspectors for radiological materials. The plan is designed to stop terrorists from bringing nuclear material across the border. The inspections will affect all people entering the U.S. at the nation's airports, seaports, and land borders--an estimated 500,000 travelers a day.