Arkansas TSA shares tips for holiday travel

Airports across the country are preparing for the millions of travelers set to take flight this holiday season — that includes TSA workers here in Arkansas as well.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — 40 million travelers are expected to take flight this holiday season nationwide. That includes Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, where they’re expected to see a 7.4% increase in departing passengers.
As airports throughout the country prepare for the influx of travelers, TSA workers are urging travelers to remember protocol before heading up for their flight.
“So when it comes to prohibited items, a reminder to travelers is that anything that can be used as a weapon or to cause bodily injury is considered a prohibited item,” Arkansas TSA Spokesperson Patricia Mancha. “Additionally, if it’s a liquid, it’s limited to 3.4 ounces or less. If you can spill it, spray it, pour it, or pump it, then it’s a liquid and considered limited to 3.4 ounces.”
This year alone, Mancha told THV11 that 37 firearms were confiscated — matching last year’s number as well. Officers like Alexis Calhoun spend the day checking carry on bags, ensuring all protocols are followed.
“During the holidays, people bring cast iron skillets, kitchen knives, pizza cutters, rolling pins, all kinds of things that they would use to make delicious food,” Mancha said.
Utilizing 3D tomography X-ray scanners and security dogs, TSA workers are able to catch those standout items. Even firearms packaged incorrectly can lead to confiscated situations for travelers at the TSA checkpoint.
“When we find a firearm, we actually close the inspection so nobody will continue on that line. That impacts not only the traveler, but everyone in line behind them, because that line and that lane will be closed … We contact law enforcement and then law enforcement will respond to the to the airport,” Mancha said.
During our time at Clinton National Airport, Calhoun walked us through a step-by-step tutorial on how to properly package a firearm prior to travel.
She said the firearm should be placed in a hard sided case with the declaration form inside.
“What ever airline you’re flying with, you want to make sure that you get it declared,” Calhoun said. “You have to sign any personal information on [a slip], and you have to declare that it’s unloaded.”
From there, the case should be locked with any form of ammunition or clips in its original packaging.
Firearms aren’t the only things that can cause issues for travels either — food is another. Officials also advise for those traveling with any food items to remember this one rule.
“If you have a question, if you’re concerned, don’t go in the checkpoint. Ask a question before you go in the checkpoint, because once you go in, then it’s too late,” Mancha said.
To view the complete list of prohibited carry on items, click or tap here.
link