TSA Changes Occurring Now

The TSA security process is an ever-evolving – and sometimes unclear – ritual for travelers. It’s especially tough for those of us who fish, because even though TSA regs are semi-clear on what we can bring, some things are left to the discretion of individual agents. I give them the benefit of the doubt. They are doing a stressful job and want to keep us safe, but they often don’t see us at our best.

It’s even more complicated for those of us who go abroad, because even if certain items are allowed by US security, they may be limited or prohibited by certain airlines or other countries. For example, while I’ve never had a problem taking reels (with or without line) or a travel rod case onto a plane departing from the US, I’ve learned that they are problematic for Mexican security.

Fortunately, there are some changes happening now stateside that bode well for all travelers.

First, there is now adequate technology in some major US airports (e.g., Atlanta, New York JFK and LAX) that’ll allow you to bring certain liquids in amounts greater than 3.4 ounce containers. These shall include the following:

• Over-the-counter medications

• Prescription medications in gel, liquid or aerosol form

• Ice packs or gel packs for medically necessary items

• Food and drink for infants and toddlers

• Wet batteries

• Live fish transported in water

• Biological specimens

• Breast milk or baby formula

• Liquid-filled teethers

• Duty-free items sealed in a tamper-evident bag

• Fresh eggs

This will likely soon be expanded to other airports (as the technology is disseminated) and more importantly for people like me – who tend to travel without infants, live fish or eggs – the list may later grow to include other liquids, including sunscreen.

Additionally, after over two decades of requiring many if not most flyers to take off their shoes before going through security (promoted by “Shoe Bomber” Richard Reid), TSA no longer requires that for anyone, effective immediately. You can debate whether that requirement saved us from any potential disasters, but there’s no question that it consistently slowed down the process – which may in and of itself be a security risk.

Finally, if you’re an active-duty service member, military spouse, Gold Star family or civilian DOD employee, security may become easier in the near future. Those covered groups will be offered free or discounted TSA PreCheck, and may have access to expedited security lanes. The first ten locations for the latter will be San Antonio, Texas; Anchorage, Alaska; Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; El Paso, Texas; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; San Diego, California; and Seattle.