Airlines Implement New Carry-On Luggage Rules

Thanks to the Northwest Airlines terrorist attack attempt on Christmas Day, the major airlines and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are reacting in a way that will once again impact all passengers - making flying even less convenient and comfortable.

This time, passenger carry-ons will be impacted in terms of what can be brought onto an airplane, and when items from a carry-on can be used during a flight. For example, one airline is insisting that all passengers remain seated for the final hour of a flight, and will no longer allow laptop computers to be used during that period.

As you go through security at any airport, plan on longer lines as TSA personnel will be looking closer at all carry-on bags and their contents. So, leave ample time in your schedule, and arrive to the airport at least 90 minutes early for a domestic flight.

Before packing your carry-on in preparation for an upcoming flight, check with your airline to determine if any new rules have been implemented. You'll discover that new guidelines and rules are being implemented daily. You can also check the TSA's website at www.tsa.gov.

UPDATE: January 12, 2010 - I recently took a trip which involved visits to several airports across the country, and didn't notice too much of a difference in security, in terms of how long it took to get through security check points. I understand from speaking with several people, that New York airports have experienced delays at security check points, but this doesn't seem to be a nationwide problem, despite the recent security threats.

The Fox World Travel website (http://www.gofox.com/tools/waittimes.php) offers an online airport wait time calculator which will help you determine how long it should take to get through airport security, based on the day and time you travel, and which airport you're flying out of. A realtime calculator is also typically available from the official TSA website (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/waittime.shtm), but it's currently "under construction."

TIP - While the wait times may not be longer, the TSA security personnel are clearly paying more attention to carry-on luggage. So, if you load up your carry-on with lots of electronic items, such as a laptop computer (or netbook), camera, iPod, eBook reader, noise-cancelling headphones, portable DVD player, plus adapters for your cell phone, and other devices (such as strangely shaped USB thumb drives), your bag may wind up getting hand-searched, which could delay you by five or 10 minutes.

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CLEAR Offers A Quick Way To Get Through Long Airport Security Lines

If you're fed up with those long lines at airport security checkpoints, for $199.00 per year, you can become a member of the CLEAR program, which will allow you to fly through these lines in under five (5) minutes. 

Sure, you'll still need to have your carry-on bags put through an X-ray machine, and you'll walk through a metal detector, but when you participate in the CLEAR program, you'll be entitled to utilize special lanes at security checkpoints (within participating airports), and your screening process will be quicker than passing through TSA security checkpoints, plus there will be no wait.

Currently, CLEAR is offered at 21 major U.S. airports, including LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports in New York. By the end of 2009, Steven Brill, the founder and CEO of Verified Identity Pass, Inc., the company which offers CLEAR, reports upwards of 40 airports will be participating in the program. Additional venues, including sports arenas and train stations, where security bottlenecks often occur, are also starting to participate in this program.

Brill also stated that the company has developed technology that will allow passengers to keep their shoes on when passing through airport security checkpoints. This technology will be introduced shortly, once it's approved by the TSA. 

After completing an online application, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. will verify each applicant's identity at a CLEAR kiosk, and then have their fingerprints and iris eye scan data encoded onto their personalized CLEAR membership card.

Brill explained that the application process takes just minutes, and the identity verification process is done within three to five business days. For frequent travelers who leave from or visit participating airports often, being a CLEAR member can save them up to an hour per trip waiting in long airport security checkpoint lines.

Unfortunately, members still often need to wait in line to check in at their airline's ticket counter and, if applicable, check their luggage. Yet, CLEAR members report that the time savings they do experience each time they use their card makes the annual membership fee well worth it.

The $199.00 annual membership fee applies to individual members, however, family and corporate discounts are available, as are discounts if you pre-pay for a multi-year membership.

If you're interested in becoming a CLEAR member, visit the CLEAR kiosk at any participating airport, call (866) 848-2415, or visit www.FlyClear.com.