New Food Policy at the Airport – Travelers Are Not Happy

Until now, the checklist of things to remove and place in separate bins in the airport security line included keys, laptops, batteries and so on; However, TSA agents now ask travelers to take out all food

A few months ago, TSA agents started requesting something rather odd from travelers in the security line: to remove all food items from their carry-on bags before placing them through the scanning device.

Until now, this policy was more of a “recommendation” issues by the TSA to aid the screening process. However, it now looks like something more concrete. Numerous travelers have encountered agents who have required them to remove all edible items because of a “new policy.”

This snack removal is meant to speed up lines and help agents check for explosive devices easier. For example, a security consultant for airports mentioned that something as usual as a block of cheese can look like a block of C-4 explosives if not screened correctly.

Even so, there are some people who are not convinced. Stellene Volandes, editor-in-chief of Town & Country magazine said that she encountered a passenger that held the line even longer than expected because of the new food removal policy.

“It seemed like he had gone on a full Costco run for Starburst and bite-size Twix, and it took him almost 15 minutes to unpack it all and get through security,” she said

Even though this practice keeps on growing, TSA spokesman Mike England explained that the policy is still up to the agent’s discretion and is not mandatory.

“It’s not a requirement. It’s a recommendation. But you might see them recommending a little louder during busy times of the day,” he added

Even more, he said that even though many people complained about this practice, it has actually helped speed lines up.

You don’t have to worry about food being taken away from you, regardless of whether you need to take them out of the bag or not.

Source: travelandleisure.com