Ever heard of the TSA and wondered what they are or what they do?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a U.S. government agency that was created after September 11, 2001.

The TSA is a component of the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for security of the nation’s transportation systems. With state, local and regional partners, the TSA oversees security for highways, railroads, buses, mass transit systems, ports, and 450 U.S. airports.

A Transportation Security Officer (TSO) is a federal employee of the Transportation Security Administration tasked with performing security screening of persons and property at airport terminals and baggage areas. The primary function of a Transportation Security Officer is to prevent all prohibited/dangerous objects from being transported onto aircrafts.

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Britain Travelers to Be Required to Answer 53 Questions

Anyone travelling to or from Britain will soon have to answer 53 questions as part of the proposed new security measures. Some of the information they would gather would be credit card numbers, e-mail addresses and travel plans for you and anyone in your group. Ideally this would roll out in the summer of 2009. Travelers would submit the information when they buy a ticket and the data will be shared among police, customs, and immigration before the trip takes place. If someone is deemed a threat, officials will deny passage the day of the trip, and even those with outstanding court fines, for example, are subject to be denied a journey.

For the full story in the Daily Mail and to see the list of required information click here.

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In recent months security at our airports have changed again. You now are required to remove all types of footwear. It used to be that only if you had boots or thick soled shoes then you had to take them off. Many types of footwear can be used to carry prohibited items so it’s just easier these days to have everyone take their shoes off.

Due to Homeland Security threat levels being raised for the aviation sector, it’s critical to protect those who travel by air.

All types of footwear must be placed on the X-ray machine to be screened. If you refuse to remove them then you will not be able to board your flight.

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If you are traveling abroad here are the top 10 tips you need to make your trip easier:

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.

3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.

7. Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website . Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.

8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.

9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

10. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.

from the U.S. Department of State website

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ALWAYS check the U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings page before you travel. You will up to date information and guidance for your trip.

CURRENT TRAVEL WARNINGS

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