Everyone who travels by air is required to go through airport security checkpoints. These checkpoints are operated by Transportation Security Officers from the Transportation Security Administration. The checkpoints are necessary to make sure that "prohibited items" cannot be brought into the secure area of an airport, or aboard an aircraft.

Not only do all passengers go through checkpoints, their checked baggage is also screened.

Travel Tips To Make Your Screening Experience Hassle-Free

• The secret to getting through security smoothly is to de-clutter your carry-on bag. This lets the Transportation Security Officers get a clear, uncomplicated X-ray image of your carry-on.
• When possible, pack liquids and gels in checked baggage. You will get through security faster.
• Limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.
• For complete up-to-date information, please go to www.TSATravelTips.us.

Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions

One of the primary goals of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to provide the highest level of security and customer service to all who pass through our screening checkpoints. Current policies and procedures focus on ensuring that all passengers, regardless of their personal situations and needs, are treated equally and with the appropriate level of dignity, respect, and courtesy.

TSA has established a program for screening of persons with disabilities and their associated equipment, mobility aids, and devices. Their program covers all categories of disabilities (mobility, hearing, visual, and hidden). As part of that program, TSA has established a coalition of over 60 disability-related groups and organizations to help them understand the concerns of persons with disabilities and medical conditions.

For more information on bringing prescription medication and liquid medication as well as TSA's checkpoint security screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions, please go to www.tsa.gov.

Below are some additional tips on being prepared for security screening and some links to more specific information.

• Notify your airline or travel agent in advance if you need assistance at the airport. Your airline can help you through the airport facility and the screening line.
• If you need someone to accompany you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate, ask your airline representative about getting a gate pass for your companion before you enter the security checkpoint.
• The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not currently apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids or assistive devices carried or used by a person with a disability.
• If you have medical documentation about your medical condition or disability, you can present this information to the security officer to help inform him or her of your situation. TSA doesn't require this documentation and it will not exempt you from the security screening process.
• Make sure to have an identification tag on all your carry-on items, equipment, mobility aids, and devices.

Additional Resources

If you have additional concerns or questions you can also contact TSA's Call Center.

Toll-free - 1-866-289-9673
E-mail - tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov

For concerns about potential civil rights violations, you can contact TSA's Office of Civil Rights.

Toll-free - 1-877-336-4872
TTY - 800-877-8339
E-mail - tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov

For information about overall air travel accessibility:

DOT Air Carrier Access Hotline
Toll-free - 1-800-778-4838
Internet - http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov
E-mail - airconsumer@ost.dot.gov

Important Information Concerning Traveling With Children

Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food if a baby or small child is traveling is allowed. Click on the following link to read more about Traveling With Formula, Breast Milk, And Baby Food.

For more details from TSA on navigating the screening process with your children, please click: Traveling with Children.

Travel Tips

• TIPS Before you reach the airport:
• Please allow extra time to get through security - especially if traveling with younger children.
• Generally plan on arriving at MYR at least 90 minutes prior to flight time but call your airline or travel agent for their recommended check-in times for your specific departure date and time.
• Please remember that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines.

TIPS At the airport:

• If traveling with children, speak to them again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised.
• Be prepared to remove your shoes.
• You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.