2011There are plenty of things to stress about over the holidays, but air travel doesn't have to be one of them.
WBFO's Marian Hetherly takes a look at the latest security measures implemented by the Transportation Security Administration--just in time for the busiest travel time of the year.
"The extra thing I do is just stress more," said
Paula Mandel. Mandel is from the New York City area and tries to get in front of her customers as much as possible during the holidays.
As a business traveler, airports are familiar places, but those who travel less frequently may feel uneasy about flying this holiday season. So many rules to remember.
Officials gathered at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to explain the new security measures implemented by the TSA over the last few months. Airport Federal Security Director Derek DePietro said the measures are aimed at strengthening security while improving the passenger experience whenever possible.
"This time of year we are committed to make coming through the Buffalo Airport as smooth as possible for all the passengers who will be traveling out for the holidays," said DePietro.
Unfortunately, there continue to be reports of inappropriate screenings at airport security checkpoints around the country.
Three elderly women recently complained about being strip-searched at Kennedy Airport, prompting U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer to call for passenger advocates. TSA Spokesperson Lisa Farbstein denied the women were strip-searched and said airports already have customer service managers who advocate for passengers.
"Often times people will call him in advance and let them know they have some special needs as they go through screening. They often reunite people with their lost items. They take complaints and concerns and suggestions, so that is something that is in place," said Farbstein.
Buffalo's customer service and quality improvement manager is Brett O'Neil.
"If you are traveling with prescription medications--such as syringes, insulin, things of that nature--those are all able to be taken onboard the aircraft. We ask that you sometimes just have a note from the doctor in case somebody asks you what the use is for, just to identify the person with the medication. Children traveling with their parents and you must carry cough syrup, things like that, those are allowed through the checkpoint. They'll ask to be opened and tested, but those are considered medicinal liquids and they are allowed to be taken through and they're exempt from the 3-1-1," said O'Neil.
3-1-1, of course, means 3 ounces or less of liquids, gels and aerosols can be carried onboard an aircraft. Place them in a one-quart-sized clear, plastic, zip-top bag. One bag is allowed per passenger in the screening bin. That's not new. Also not new are Buffalo's body scanners.
"Buffalo has the back-scatter machines now. I don't know quite frankly if they're replacing all back-scatter with all wave lengths, but we're going to have back-scatter for the future that I know of," said O'Neil.
Back-scatter machines have been criticized because passengers appear naked in their screened images.
Newer wave-length machines being rolled out in other cities produce a generic outline of each passenger--no matter what their body type.
Buffalo was one of the first airports to hire behavior detection officers. They casually have conversations with passengers to determine if they should be referred for additional screening.
There's also a new rule that allows children to leave their shoes on when going through security checkpoints, and Buffalo has separate checkpoint lines for families.
Doug Hartmayer, Director of Public Affairs for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, encouraged use of Buffalo's cell phone lot located on Holtz Road.
"If you're coming to pick up a passenger, you can sit in the cell phone lot when they arrive. They'll call you on their cell phone. You then can ride over to pick them up. This will help free congestion on the interior roadway, it'll save you some gas, save you some time, and actually make our roadways a lot safer," said Hartymayer.
Those with smartphones can use the new free downloadable TSA app. Yes, there's an app for this. Farbstein said the app gives real-time information about wait times, delays, and an option called "Can I bring it."
"Does it have to be in checked baggage, can it be in carry-on, can it be on either, or should you not bring it at all. So let's type in 'knitting needles.' It says metal knitting needles can be in both checked or carry on. So if you have a long flight, feel free to bring your knitting needles and knit," said Farbstein.
Airport cab driver Abdul Pasha said he travels internationally sometime during the holidays, but is more concerned about Buffalo's weather.
"Sometimes the weather is not good, you have delays or sometimes early flights, you know. That happens all the time," said Pasha.
The airport broadcasts weather and other updates on its radio station, 1580-AM. Those who are prepared before they arrive at the airport will help streamline security for themselves and other travelers. See you soon, Mom and Dad in Florida!