Page 98 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2017

LEISURE easy exploration
TRAVEL TIPS:
including you may want to leave your gun at home
As travelers make plans for summer trips, officials with the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggest tips to make the experience smooth. “When passengers have flexible travel dates and book airfare early, they can find lower fares and take advantage of the ease and convenience of flying local,” Clay Williams, executive director, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, said.
Passengers bringing firearms remain a problem with seven guns stopped by TSA officers at Gulfport last year. Most of the guns were loaded, according to TSA. “The problem is escalating nationally as well with 2,653
stopped in 2015 across the country and 3,391 stopped last year,” a TSA spokesperson said. “Hundreds of pounds
of voluntarily abandoned property consisting of other prohibited items (such as knives and brass knuckles) and hazardous materials (such as household chemicals) are stopped by TSA officers in Gulfport every year as well. These items have included stun guns, grenades, and martial arts tools.”
Avoiding these prohibited items makes travel less stressful and also helps avoid civil penalties of up to $11,000 which a person faces whether or not he or she is arrested by TSA law enforcement partners.
story by Lynn Lofton photo courtesy of Clay Williams
Williams also suggests the following travel tips:
CLAY WILLIAMS
Executive Director, Gulfport- Biloxi International Airport.
228.863.5951 www.flygpt.com
• Book your flight well in advance of your trip. 30-90 days out is the prime booking window.
• There are several days of the week when airfare is usually lower: Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Visit FlyGPT.com to try our cost calculator and compare airport costs. Follow @FlyGPT on social media to receive updates on low fares and promotions.
• Download your airline’s app prior to your flight to receive notifications about checking in, delays or cancellations.
• Sign up for TSA Precheck to receive expedited security screening. You can also enroll in CBP Global Entry for expedited clearance through customs upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry enrollment is available at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and includes TSA Precheck.
• Remember the TSA Liquids Rule: Liquids being carried on must be in 3.4 ounce containers or smaller and must fit into a single, quart- size bag. This applies to gels, pastes, creams and aerosols as well.
• If you are not sure if an item can be carried on or put in checked baggage, visit TSA.gov or tweet your question to @AskTSA on Twitter.
98 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • May 2017
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net