Guest Column: Be Prepared For Full Body Scans This Holiday

If you haven't seen the new screening machines that are popping up at U.S. airports, chances are you will soon. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is replacing most metal detectors with imaging devices that reveal items hidden underneath passengers' clothing. Providence (PVD) or TF Green as most of us call it, has the new scanners. Some people feel that the scanner is intrusive and violates privacy. You do not have to go through it, you can "Opt out". If you do not wish to pass thru it say to the screener you can verbally "Opt out" and then be prepared for a hand body scan. 
I pass though airports all over our great nation and go through scanning and searches frequently. So, my advice is prepare yourself ahead of schedule. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Take all jewelry,watches and any metal and put in a food storage bag in your carry on bag. All fluids and the likes can not be more than 3 oz. put them in a clear food storge bag and be prepared to pass them through seprately. DO NOT bring more than 3 oz of any fluid. Water bottles can not be passed through. 

You may bring on two bags. Examples are 
-A backpack and a purse 
-A backpack and a roll-aboard luggage case  (the roll-aboard must be the small one not the Medium or large one). 

A purse is considered a carry on, so do not try a backpack, rollerboard and purse. It doesn't work, you wil be asked to stuff it somewhere or leave something. 
The airline gate agents will tell you glad to check your luggage for you. But be prepared for charges. They will assist you in anyway that they can.Your check in bag on some airlines will cost $25 to check. 

Once on board the aircraft one piece of luggage can go in the overhead and one under the chair in front of you. If you sit at a wall or bulkhead everything has to go in the overhead. (PS. Purse too.) 

Because of regional airline travel, some planes are now smaller due to cost. Delays are going to happen so plan for it.   I flew from one place to another it took 6 hours to fly the first leg. It was a 55 min flight for the last leg. I spent 6 hours waiting.   My Advice is " Be Prepared".

Have a Safe flight. 
Pete Schofield Sr.

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