65º

WEATHER ALERT

TSA

TSA lists fines for people who refuse to wear a mask while traveling

HOUSTON – The Transportation Security Administration said Friday that it has changed language in its face mask requirement to include specific fines -- which could range from $250 to $1,500 or more -- for people who refuse to wear a mask while traveling. Based on substantial aggravating or mitigating factors, TSA may seek a sanction amount that falls outside these ranges. TSA has provided transportation system operators specific guidance on how to report violations so that TSA may issue penalties to those who refuse to wear a face mask. The requirement extends to wearing masks in airports, bus and rail stations, as well as while on planes, public transportation, passenger railroads, and buses. Read more in the news release from TSA.

Most major US airlines ban guns in luggage for DC flights

Delta, United and Alaska airlines said Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 they will bar passengers flying to Washington from putting guns in checked bags. The moves follow the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump and politically tinged confrontations on some flights. American Airlines is bringing back a ban on serving alcohol on flights to and from the Washington area — flights go dry starting Saturday through next Thursday. Price also said that it is “a good idea” to prohibit passengers from putting guns in checked bags if they are flying to Washington. Federal law allows passengers to put guns in checked baggage if they are unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case, although airlines have the discretion to ban guns.

Brazoria, Galveston counties want to move into Houston’s trauma service area

GALVESTON, Texas – After a state-mandated tightening of coronavirus restrictions prompted businesses to close or reduce capacity in Brazoria and Galveston counties, leaders in both places are asking to be moved into the same trauma service area as Houston. Brazoria and Galveston counties are in Trauma Service Area R, while Harris County, where Houston is located, is in area Q.COVID-19 hospitalizations in area R have been at or above 15% for at least two weeks, while the rate has been inching higher to that mark in area Q. In their request, The judges cite their distance from the majority of counties in TSA R and their close proximity to TSA Q. “The spread of COVID-19 within TSA-Q impacts the residents and hospitals in Galveston County and Brazoria County significantly more than the spread of COVID-19 in TSA-R,” the judges wrote. There are two other Houston-area counties that are in area R -- Chambers and Liberty.

Going somewhere for the holidays? Here is your flight travel guide

For example, something as simple as a water bottle or soda can, shampoo and hair product in quantities larger than 3.4 oz. What to bringThe 3.4 oz. Food: If you can spill it, spread it, or drink it - it is likely limited to 3.4 oz. Roadway construction on North Terminal Road will reduce the number of lanes leading to Terminal C arrivals. To avoid curbside pickups, family members or friends can park for free at the Terminal C Garage for the first hour.

Bush airport named TSA’s 2020 Airport of the Year for the second consecutive year

HOUSTON – George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is the 2020 Airport of the Year, according to the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA team in Houston consists of more than 1,100 employees, which includes TSA officers, inspectors, canine handlers, explosives experts, managers and program analysts. The award recognizes team achievements in key operations and mission support functions, such as measurable improvements, superior performance, notable innovation and significant operational improvements in support of TSA’s mission. “We are honored to be named TSA’s 2020 Airport of the year,” Houston Airports Director Mario Diaz said. “On behalf of the entire team at Bush Airport and the traveling public, I also congratulate the George Bush Intercontinental Airport TSA team for their invaluable commitment to safety and efficiency throughout this challenging year.

TSA officers at Houston’s IAH find 6 loaded, 2 unloaded guns over one-week period

HOUSTON – The Transportation Security Administration at George Bush Intercontinental Airport found eight guns inside luggage over the course of a week, according to a news release. Those eight were part of 92 that have been found in 2020, meaning 11.5% of guns found at IAH were found in just a week, the release revealed. Here is a breakdown:9/20/2020: .40 loaded9/20/2020: 9mm loaded9/22/2020: .380 loaded9/23/2020: .380 loaded9/23/2020: .357 loaded9/24/2020: .380 unloaded9/24/2020: 9mm unloaded9/27/2020: 9mm loaded“Guns are prohibited in the cabins of airplanes. This law has been in place long before TSA existed,” said Juan Sanchez, TSA’s Federal Security Director for IAH. Go online to see the rules for transporting firearms.

One Good Thing: TSA sends bride her dress left at airport in time for her wedding the next day

NEWARK, New Jersey For a bride, the most important thing on her wedding day, besides the groom, is her wedding dress. Narolin Cepeda nearly didnt have hers for her big day earlier this month after her mother accidentally forgot it while rushing to catch a plane at Newark Airport. Her younger brother, whos a physicians assistant, immediately emailed TSA but got an automatic reply that said responses take five days. Fortunately, a TSA administrative assistant saw the email, went looking for the luggage and sent it overnight express to Ohio. The TSA worker said she put herself in the brides shoes and could only imagine how stressful it would be to find out her dress got lost the day before the wedding.

Texas state troopers set up screening for travelers flying in from New Orleans, tri-state area

HOUSTON – In addition to TSA agents, travelers will now be greeted by Texas state troopers at Houston airports once they land. This move is part of Governor Greg Abbott's executive order to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Cummings said travelers coming from those specific areas are required to fill out a form handed out by troopers. Travelers must provide their name, phone number, date of birth, license number, flight information, and a home address for a random follow up by a state trooper. The form is located on the Texas Department of Public Safety's website.

IAH closes TSA checkpoints at Terminal B

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) officials said today that TSA checkpoints at Terminal B will close on Sunday evening and remain closed until further notice. Passengers will have to use TSA checkpoints at Terminal A or C to get to Terminal B through the IAH Skyway or subway. Also, the two TSA checkpoints at Terminal A will be consolidated to the south location. At Terminal A North, the checkpoint will only be staffed with TSA personnel for the exit only. Airport employees will direct travelers away from the north checkpoint and direct them to the south checkpoint location.

TSA: IAH among top 5 airports where most guns found in 2019

HOUSTON – George Bush Intercontinental Airport is among the top five airports where Transportation Security Administration officers found the most guns in 2019. IAH officers detected 138 guns in carry-on bags or on passengers last year, authorities announced Wednesday. NEWS: TSA officers caught more firearms at checkpoints nationwide in 2019 than ever before in the agency’s 18-year history. Read the full press release: https://t.co/n3Zqyfpcnx pic.twitter.com/Qejm69lzwy — TSA (@TSA) January 15, 2020The IAH information was part of a news release that also announced that TSA officers found more firearms at checkpoints nationwide in 2019 than ever before in the agency’s 18-year history. The top five airports where TSA officers detected guns at checkpoints in 2019 were:1.