TSA offers app, packing tips to speed holiday travel

Traveling by air this holiday season? The Transportation Security Administration is predicting this will be the busiest travel season in history -- and is offering tips on how to make it safer and more convenient.

One way travelers can do that, if eligible, is to join the TSA Pre program, which allows prescreened passengers to move quickly through security lines -- often without having to remove their shoes, belts or light outerwear, and often while being allowed to keep laptops and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on bags.

But, the TSA said, travelers who are not in the preapproved program can still help make the security checkpoint stop more convenient by knowing what they can and can't carry in their bags -- and the rules.

First and foremost, the TSA said, is to use the app, When I Fly Can I Bring My . . ." that details the items permitted in carry-on and checked bags.

Other helpful hints include:

Pack all liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in compliance with the travel liquids rule;

Remove all items from pockets and place them into a carry-on bag or into a bin at the checkpoint;

Avoid wearing large metal jewelry or clothes with large metal parts to avoid setting off checkpoint metal detectors;

Follow the instructions of TSA checkpoint personnel.

The TSA said travelers may bring wrapped gifts in their luggage, but that personnel can unwrap gifts for additional screening if warranted. Food items also may require further inspection -- and the TSA suggests they be shipped separately.

Travelers with medical conditions or disabilities are advised to call TSA Cares in advance of their trips to best prepare for the checkpoint process, the TSA said.

Information is available at 855-787-2227. The TSA suggests travelers call 72 hours -- or three days -- in advance of their planned travel date.

The TSA also encourages travelers to remember the vigilance campaign -- If You See Something, Say Something -- and report any suspicious packages, bags or other items.

And, of course, the TSA suggests that those traveling abroad check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Web page -- Know Before You Go -- to understand what documentation is needed to get where they're going.

For more information about safety and security procedures, the TSA asks that travelers call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 or contact it via Twitter at @AskTSA.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”