As the summer vacation season approaches and COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, many people are venturing into the mountains, fields, and beaches, and even traveling abroad, seemingly eager to release their pent-up desires. However, the ongoing threat of the virus still looms around us, affecting our lives, and this change is no exception for travelers. In particular, the need for safety measures at airports, where many people gather and are confined to small spaces, is a significant concern. In response, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a comprehensive system upgrade at airport security checkpoints, along with various measures to prevent the spread of the virus. To help travelers who are returning to airports after a long time avoid confusion with the new systems, we present the updated procedures for using airport security checkpoints post-COVID-19.

1. First, do not hand your boarding pass to the security personnel at the entrance of the checkpoint. Travelers should scan their paper or electronic boarding passes themselves using the reader and then hold it up for the staff to visually verify.

2. All food items must be separated for X-ray screening. Travelers should place any food they intend to take on the plane into a separate clear plastic bag and then into the designated plastic bin for X-ray inspection. If food is left in a carry-on bag, an alarm may sound, prompting security personnel to open the bag for inspection, which increases the risk of virus transmission. This measure aims to minimize such situations.

3. While liquids or gels over 3.4 ounces have generally been prohibited, an exception has been made during the COVID-19 pandemic for hand sanitizer. Travelers can now bring up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer on board. However, hand sanitizer must be removed from bags for separate screening during the X-ray process.

4. If prohibited items (such as laptops, liquids, gels, aerosols, or large electronics) are discovered during the X-ray inspection, travelers must take their bags and move away from the X-ray machine to a designated area to dispose of the prohibited items before returning to the X-ray checkpoint for bag inspection. This change requires travelers to handle this process themselves, minimizing contact with security personnel.

5. Items such as belts, pocket contents, wallets, keys, and cell phones, which previously needed to be removed and placed in plastic bins for X-ray screening, should now be placed in the traveler’s carry-on bag for inspection. However, this practice may vary by airport and is not mandatory.

6. Social distancing must be observed. Travelers and staff should avoid direct contact and maintain a safe distance as long as they do not cross the security line. Markings for social distancing are placed on the floor in the security line, and travelers will enter the checkpoints at staggered intervals.

7. Wearing masks is recommended. Airport staff are currently required to wear masks and gloves, and passengers are encouraged to wear masks at checkpoints. However, travelers may be required to remove their masks during the screening process.