FAA Security Rules | Class Trips

Think lightweight. Avoid a belt if possible; wear shoes that are easily
removed. All jackets must go through the scanner. Trousers that zip-off into shorts and those with metal rivets may set off alarms. Heavy metal jewelry and metal belt buckles are not recommended (you will be pulled from the line for further scanning)
For liquid items such as shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and shaving lotion, there is a 3.5 ounce limit on each item. Pack travel sizes!
Place film in carry-on bags, otherwise your undeveloped film will go through more than five scanners and will be ruined. Have it hand checked to prevent damage.
Medical supplies: Carry them on. If you need syringes, prosthetic devices or tools, it’s best to carry a doctor’s note with you explaining their use. Be sure all prescription medicines carry pharmacy labels.
Leave gifts unwrapped. Airline security personnel will open gifts if the X-ray scan cannot determine the contents.
Each checked-in suitcase must not exceed 50 lbs. in weight.
Leave your luggage unlocked, but put a twisty-tie on it
(even though it won’t stop a determined thief). Security personnel will open locked luggage and search it. You can bring a lock with you and sometimes the screener will let you put a lock on after the luggage has been scanned (ask the screener about this).

Please check with your Airline 24 hours in advance to make sure there are no changes in flight schedules.
Arrive early to allow extra time. Heightened airport security measures increase the time needed to check in. Arriving at the airport two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure is advisable; however, passengers may want to consult with their airline for more specific arrival times.
Parking at curbside access will be controlled and limited.

Watch your bags and personal belongings at all times.
Do not accept packages from strangers.
Don’t joke about having a bomb or firearm. Don’t discuss airport, terrorism, weapons, explosives, or other threats while going through the security checkpoint. The mere mention of words such as “gun,” “bomb,” etc., can compel security personnel to detain and question you. They are trained to consider these comments as real threats.

Passengers over 16 years of age must provide a government-issued photo ID. The FAA requires that air carriers request government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or draft card, if the passenger appears old enough to have an ID. If a government-issued photo ID is not available, bring two pieces of ID, one of which must be from a governmental authority.
Students under 16 do not need an ID when traveling with an adult.
Be prepared to answer questions about your bags. When asked who packed your bags and if you might have left them unattended at anytime, think carefully and answer the questions honestly.
Be cooperative as screeners ask to hand-search your bags. Security personnel will search a bag if the X-ray scan cannot determine its contents. You may also be asked to remove your shoes.
Though the Transportation Safety Administration oversees security now at all airports, procedures vary from one airport to the next.
Luggage fees vary from carrier to carrier. However the general breakdown is: American, Delta and United charge $25 each way per checked on luggage per piece. The maximum weight is 50 pounds.Southwest allows up to two checked bags up to 50 pounds each free of charge. Pack economically!

Security checks now happen at the checkpoint as you enter the passenger-only area. Those at the gate largely have been eliminated.
Travelers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (i.e.: purse or briefcase)
Pull your change out of your pockets and put your cell phone in your carry-on before you pass through security.
Electronic items, such as laptop computers and cell phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so it can be X-rayed separately.

Listen carefully to the Pilot and/or flight attendant’s instructions. They may ask that you remain in your seat during the last half-hour of flight. Due to security reasons, if any passenger does stand up or act questionably and/or inappropriately (even if they are just using the bathroom or retrieving something from the overhead luggage compartment), the pilot may divert the flight, land at the nearest airport, and have the offender arrested. Air travel policies are not just suggestions, especially since 9/11. With national security in mind, their policies will be enforced. Students need to be on their best behavior both in the airport terminal and on the plane.
Meals aren’t served on most flights anymore – although food for sale is offered on some longer flights. Our advice: Bring a sandwich or fruit, or pick something up in the airport to take aboard (place in carry-on bag).