TSA rolls out new rules for post-pandemic travel

Procedures changing for traveling public

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY) - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out new rules for traveling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The agency announced some procedural changes Thursday to try to prevent the spread of the illness through the nation's airports. Changes include:

• Boarding passes: Travelers should handle their own boarding passes as opposed to handing it to the TSA officer.
• Food: Carry-on food must be placed in a clear plastic bag then placed into a bin for x-ray screenings.
• Social Distancing: Visual reminders about social distancing will be placed on checkpoint floors. People will be encouraged to maintain their distance from fellow travelers.
• Face Masks: TSA officers will be required to wear face masks. Travelers are encourged to do the same.

“In the interest of TSA frontline workers' and traveler health, TSA is committed to making prudent changes to our screening processes to limit physical contact and increase physical distance as much as possible,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske says in a written announcement.

“We continue to evaluate our security measures with an eye towards making smart, timely decisions benefiting health and safety, as well as the traveler experience.”

The TSA has already implemented the changes at many airports across the country. The goal is to have them in place at all airports by June 1.