How to Get Through Airport Health & Security Screening Faster This Summer

1) TSA changes include the following:

• TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags until further notice. Since these containers exceed the standard allowance typically permitted through a checkpoint, they will need to be screened separately. This will add some time to your checkpoint screening experience. Please keep in mind that all other liquids, gels, and aerosols brought to a checkpoint continue to be limited to 3.4 ounces or 100ml carried in a one quart-size bag.

• TSA is allowing a grace period if your identification has expired and you’ve been unable to renew it during the closures. If the driver’s license or state issued-ID expired on/after 3/01/20, and if you’re unable to renew at your state driver’s license agency, you may use the expired ID for up to one year after its expiration. Additionally, the new deadline for obtaining a REAL ID compliant driver’s license was extended to 10/01/21.
• Markings for 6‘ between passengers in lines for physical distancing
• Allowing passengers to wear a mask, but likely asking them to temporarily remove the mask to reveal their face for the identification check.

2) Thermal scanners are a controversial topic as they pertain to airport safety. The premise is to detect anyone with an infectious disease that is associated with an elevated body temperature. The problem is it will be a false positive in other infectious diseases and can miss an incubating infection (no symptoms). Even in 2003 with SARS and in 2009 with bird flu, the accuracy of detecting positive patients is questionable and screening can tie up a traveler for hours or potentially result in cancellation of travel/need to quarantine. [I was personally affected in 2003 during a trip where thermal scanning was employed. Fortunately, I passed the screening and it added about 30 more minutes in line after deplaning before customs.] The methods include full-body infrared scanners (which measure skin temp as a proxy for core temp), handheld IR thermometers and ear gun thermometers. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that of every 100 infected travelers taking a 12hr flight, 42 would pass through entry and exit screens undetected, due to the incubation period of the virus and the fact that many cases are mild and even at their peak may not show symptoms. WHO does not recommend thermal screening but some passengers may encounter this particularly in Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. 

3) Public information cards detailing possible symptoms and what to do/number to contact if the person develops symptoms may be beneficial and result in the cascade of testing, contact tracing, and treatment as indicated.  

4) Airports have increased availability of hand sanitizer and more frequent cleaning measures in public spaces, but bringing your own hand hygiene, and following physical distancing is important.

5) Some destination countries mandate a 14-day quarantine on arrival. Prepare ahead, plan for this, and consider waiting to travel to these destinations if you cannot afford to spend two additional weeks in the country.  

To best prepare for air travel, passengers should ensure they are feeling well prior to going to the airport, and know the symptoms that should keep them at home in the first place. Allow for extra time in TSA with the allowance of a large hand sanitizer in the checked bag. Plan to replace an expired identification and obtain a REAL ID compliant license, but know that a grace period is in place with TSA. Search online to see if your destination country has enacted advanced measures such as thermal scanning or symptom screening and add in additional time to maneuver the screening processes.