As you get set to take that Thanksgiving Day trip, the TSA is rolling out its new enhanced property search procedures.
The procedures now include a requirement to put all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening. Paul Hudson of Flyers-Rights-dot-org says it makes sense.
“There have been indications that terrorists still look to target aviation, particularly during the holiday season,” Hudson said.
But these now procedures will take more time than usual, and now you should be getting to the airport two-and-a-half-hours before your flight. Hudson isn't a fan of that.
“They should have more screeners and more people in Pre-Check to get faster screening,” Hudson stated.
This is all being done in the name of safety. The government is advising you that if you are going overseas, there’s an increased terror threat.
And the government has done this because we've seen attacks at a Christmas market in Berlin, and a nightclub attack in Istanbul on New Year's Eve. Bob Summers at the Center for Terrorism Law at St. Mary's University in San Antonio tells KTRH he's not surprised by this development.
“With ISIS moving out of Iraq, they have been re-energized, and so have others, to commit acts of terrorism,” Summers explained.
So are Americans still traveling overseas for the holidays? Summers says yes, and adds that if you are, just be aware.
“I don’t think this should prevent people from traveling. But there are precautions people can take. Travelers should always maintain situational awareness,” Summers said.