Tips can relieve the
holiday travel crush
Federal Transportation Security Administration officials have tips to make the holiday travel season, which starts this week, go smoothly.
Sidney Hayakawa, TSA federal security director for the Honolulu Airport, said that removing metal objects from your person before going through the metal detector at airport security checkpoints can save lots of time.
"If you don't alarm the metal detector, we've just saved the entire line three minutes," Hayakawa said.
After a metal detector goes off, it takes three minutes to move the individual, use a hand wand and, if necessary, do a pat-down, remove shoes and take an X-ray.
Hayakawa urged travelers to review the updated list of permitted and prohibited items at www.TSATravelTips.us. Items such as nail clippers and crochet needles, once prohibited as carry-ons, are now OK, while box cutters and pointed-tipped scissors are still prohibited.
Thanksgiving week, particularly today and Sunday, are two of the busiest travel days of the year. Other days include Dec. 23, 24, 28 and Jan. 1-3.
"Demand is very high this week," said Aloha Airlines spokesman Stu Glauberman, but seats are still available for interisland travel.
Some TSA tips for air travelers include:
>> Use e-ticket check-in kiosks and drive-through check-in at the airport, or print out boarding passes on computers, if available, before arriving at the airport.
>> Arrive at least 1 1/2 hours before interisland flights, and two hours before mainland and international flights.
>> Parking is available in lots at the Honolulu International Airport near the entrance to the overseas, interisland and commuter terminals. During peak travel times, the interisland lot usually fills up by 10 a.m., while the overseas terminal fills up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To check on parking availability, call 861-1260.
>> Before leaving for the airport, call the airline's information number or visit its Web site to reconfirm your flight. Check weather forecasts for any possible delays.
>> Carry a boarding pass and photo ID to pass through security screening checkpoints. (A photo ID is required of anyone over age 18.)
>> Avoid wearing metal clothing, jewelry and accessories that may set off the alarm at screening checkpoints.
>> While approaching a checkpoint, place metal items in a carry-on bag, take laptops out of cases and take coats off.
>> Do not bring prohibited items. For a complete list, visit www.TSATravelTips.us.
>> Do not wrap gifts, so they may be inspected.
>> Put undeveloped film and cameras containing film in carry-on baggage. Screening for checked baggage will damage undeveloped film.
>> Place ID tags in and on all baggage, including carry-ons.
>> Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a laptop, purse, small backpack, briefcase or camera bag.
