FYI Security Recommendations
3-1-1 for Carry-Ons
If you plan to travel with liquids, gels or aerosols in your carry-on bag
remember 3-1-1. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in a 3 ounce or less sized containers. Containers must be placed in a 1 quart-size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Only one bag is permitted per traveler. It must be removed from your carry-on and placed in the security screening bin for x-ray screening.
Plan on arriving at the airport early; at least two full hours prior to departure. This will allow sufficient time to get through the 100% security screening procedure at both flight check-in and the checkpoint process. In addition, your early arrival will allow airline staff time to reroute you if weather is a factor anywhere during your trip.
Any alcohol, sodas, or medications must be in their original packaging. TSA personnel must discard all unmarked containers and flask.
Do NOT wrap gifts, Bring paper or gift bags along to wrap gifts after inspection by the screening staff.
Unless you are using the TSA's newly approved Brookstone locks, do not lock check bags. Valuables, including medications, are safest while in your personal control in your carry-on baggage.
FYI offers convenient parking at excellent value "Click here for parking rates" . Remember that no vehicle may stop at the curb except to briefly unload passengers and/or bags.
ONLY ticketed passengers may go through security screening. Be sure to bring government-issued picture identification for all traveling adults over 18 years of age.
Generally, items prohibited at security screening include sharp metal items, weapons of any kind, sporting sticks/clubs/bats, metal tools or hardware, explosive or flammable items, and martial arts/self-defense items. Specific limitations can be found at the TSA website.
Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase. The federal rule is 1+1.
Consider bringing a clear large plastic zip bag for personal items such as metal jewelry, a metal watch, loose coins, keys, pagers and phones. This will make screening faster and help you remember to reclaim your items after they are X-rayed.
Place identification tags both inside and outside all bags, including laptop computers which must be removed from the case at screening.
Customs and Border Protection Updates
Civil penalties for agricultural seizures to increase
According to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, effective October 1, 2006, fines were increased for agricultural violations for international flights. If travelers break the rules on agricultural imports, the spot settlement has increased from $250 to $300. For the second violation, even when there is no evidence of concealment or misrepresentation and the importation represents a non-commercial activity, the fine goes up to $500. CBP hopes that these fines serve as a deterrent so the traveling public will declare all agricultural and food products to a CBP officer.