TSA air travel screening gets more invasive

Airlines, TSA both could take action to make process easier

If you plan on traveling via air soon, get ready for more security steps.

According to a report in USA Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now giving extra screening attention to containers of powders in fliers’ carry-on bags.

The TSA is watching for containers holding at least 350 milliliters of powder (about the size of a can of soda), and advises travelers to now pack those containers in checked bags.

Travelers who keep such items in their carry-ons will have to remove them for separate screening, USA Today reports.

The containers join a long list of items that must be removed for screening. Currently, people have to remove liquids, any electronics larger than a cell phone, and food.

Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be smaller than 3.4 ounces, and must fit in 1-quart-sized resalable bag. At this point, that’s a lot to unpack in the TSA line. In fact, a spokesperson told USA Today, “Everyday items, including some foods, books and magazines, powders and large electronics may result in additional screening.”

Everyone wants to have a safe flight. And everyone understands that in order to safely travel, one needs to make sure there aren’t dangerous items in the cabin. Safety first.

But there is a fine line between safety, and overboard checking. Having to remove books, powders, and electronics so the screening teams can see what’s going on inside? That’s a bit much.

Part of the challenge is people who overstuff their carry-on bags, trying to avoid the added expense of checked baggage charged by so many airlines.

It’s a bit of a nasty circle. Airlines raised the costs to check bags, and people started to super-stuff their carry-on baggage to avoid checking bags.

The TSA, meanwhile, can’t get a clear picture of what’s in the bags, and so the agency starts to require people to remove more items from their carry-ons, which in turn leads to longer lines at the TSA checkpoints.

There are a few ways to fix this. Airlines could lower or remove fees for checked baggage, which would encourage people to check more, and carry on less.

Travelers also could be aware of the TSA policies, and make sure that any carry-on bags are organized and easy to inspect.

It is challenging situation. The TSA and airlines both need to take steps that would help travelers, without sacrificing safety.