TSA Takes Control of Airline Security

A remarkable change took place in American airports at the start of 2003, but you probably wouldn't notice unless you looked really hard.

On Jan. 1, the newly created Transportation Security Agency took control of airport security, putting federal employees on the front line in the war against terrorism, adhering to the federal mandate to have 100% of all checked luggage screened for explosives. But instead of increasing delays for travelers, the TSA has actually made their lives easier, replacing underpaid, undertrained and unmotivated private security with a well-trained, properly compensated federal force.

"I haven't heard a single complaint, and believe me, I would have heard by now," said Christopher Elliott, editor of the consumer travel Web site Elliott.org, where he receives thousands of comments from travelers each year. "The TSA has surpassed all expectations. Just before the new year, you had this parade of pundits saying there would be terrible delays. But the transition was totally seamless, and there were practically no reports of delays anywhere."

While delays have been few and far between, travelers who aren't accustomed to all the new rules and regulations will feel hassled on some level as their bags are more thoroughly searched. But by keeping in mind the following tips, even experienced travelers will find new ways to get through security faster.

What to Know When Packing Your Bags

Before you even get to the airport, what you put in your luggage will determine how closely you're searched, especially because TSA has the right to open your bag and search it, even if you're not there, if they think it contains explosives. For this reason, the TSA has asked all travelers not to lock their luggage, just in case they need to search it. They'll cut the lock on a bag they can't otherwise open.