HARLINGEN, Texas-The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced new carry-on baggage security screening procedures at Valley International Airport (HRL) and McAllen International Airport (MFE).
To ensure the security of airline passengers and the nation’s airports, TSA announced in late July that it would start implementing new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items. TSA is now rolling out these new procedures at airports around the country.
The new procedures, which will start at HRL tomorrow and at MFE in early November, require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes. Passengers will be asked to place these items in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for several years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image. The procedures were implemented earlier this month at Brownsville/South Padre International Airport (BRO). TSA recommends that all travelers arrive at the airport 90 minutes in advance of their flight departure time to ensure they have enough time to check in with their airline and go through security.
“TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process," said TSA Regional Public Affairs Manager Carrie Harmon. “Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving". It is possible that passengers may experience more bag checks; however, through extensive testing, TSA has identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear the bags.
There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags. The stronger security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® who are using TSA Pre✓® lanes.
These changes are due to an increased threat to aviation security. In late June, the Department of Homeland Security announced new security procedures for nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance security measures and stay ahead of the evolving threat.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
