Many trans people may be anxious about utilizing air travel this holiday season because of heightened airport security. NCTE hopes to lessen this anxiety with its recently released Air Travel Tips for Transgender People, a great resource for holiday travelers. Topics addressed in this guide include identification issues, dealing with airline and security personnel, luggage and clothing, and security expectations.

NCTE was motivated to provide travel guidelines following the implementation of a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policy in 2004 directing agents at security checkpoints to pat-down passengers wearing bulky clothing items. TSA policy regarding pat-downs is included in the Air Travel Tips guide, as well as instructions on how to report misconduct by a TSA agent. NCTE urges trans people to properly prepare for air travel and to be aware of their rights as passengers.

You can view NCTE’s Air Travel Tips at www.nctequality.org/travel.asp.