New TSA security line rules

This item appears on page 35 of the July 2020 issue.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made changes in airport security line procedures.

Visual cues placed on the floor will help passengers follow social-distancing rules. Facial covering is recommended but not required. (However, some airlines require it on board.)
At the travel document podiums, passengers will scan their boarding passes on the readers themselves, then hold them up for the TSA officers to visually inspect them.

Carry-on food items need to be in clear plastic bags and placed into bins for x-ray screening. After removing items such as belts, wallets, keys and phones, travelers are encouraged to place them in their carry-on bags rather than in the bins.

Anyone who has not removed items needing to be x-rayed separately, such as liquids and laptop computers, may be directed back outside of security to properly remove them before heading back through x-ray screening again, instead of having their baggage personally inspected by an agent.

The TSA is allowing each passenger to have one liquid hand sanitizer container, capable of holding up to 12 ounces, in his carry-on.