Security
The primary objective of aviation security is to safeguard passengers, crew, ground personnel and the general public against acts of unlawful interference perpetrated in flight or within the confines of an airport.
Safety and security oversight of the operation of L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda falls under the UK Department for Transport (DfT), Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) and Air Safety Support International (ASSI). The DfT is responsible for setting aviation security policy and ASSI is responsible for oversight of implementation of that policy. BCAA issues Skyport with its aerodrome certificate – a key component of which is the effective implementation of security measures.
The security team at Skyport is run by our Head of Aviation Security who has overall responsibility for day-to-day security operations at the terminal building. The role is supported by an assistant. The Head of Aviation Security and AASO are supported by security screeners and by Airport Security Enforcement Unit staff. Both services are contracted out. All security personnel are qualified at the respective levels of certification under the UK Department of Transport regulations and are recertified annually.
Passenger Screening Checkpoint
What else can I do to help me go through security faster?
- Have your travel documents readily available for security screening
- Laptops and large electrical items can remain in cabin bags
- Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) when in a container with a capacity of no greater than 100ml and in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no greater than 1-litre can remain in cabin bags
- Prior to screening remove the following items and place in the trays provided:
- Jackets and heavy outer garments
- Belts
- Large items of jewelry
- Coins and other items in pockets
- Bulky footwear
- Headwear, except that alternative screening methods may be applied to religious headwear
- Follow all instructions by security personnel.
When going through security
- Have your passport, boarding pass ready for inspection.
- Persons can request a private security search, however all items must go through the x-ray machine.
- If you are carrying liquids, please ensure that they are contained in transparent re-sealable bags and that they are in containers of 100ml (3oz) or less
- Remember, you can leave keys, coins, wallets and mobile phones in your jacket or coat pockets, but take off your coat while you are in the queue so you are ready to put them in a tray to go through the X-ray machines.
- Large electrical items, such as laptops, will need to go through X-ray machines separately, so get them ready by taking them out of your hand luggage.
- Shoe removal is mandatory for US departures; and for all other destinations you may be required to take them off if so desired by the screener.
- Your coat, transparent bag (including medicines) and, if asked, your shoes, all need to go in one tray, but your large electrical items will go through in another.
- Security Officers may search your bags after initial X-ray, and you may be asked to undergo a physical hand search.
Photography
Please do not take any photographs or video of security areas at the airport, or while boarding or deplaning aircraft.
Use of cell phones
The use of cell phones is prohibited in the following areas:
- US Customs and Border Protection area, including the US departures security checkpoint
- Anywhere in the arrivals and baggage halls
- On the ramp area
Checked Baggage Advice
Skyport operates to TSA protocols for the screening of checked baggage at L.F. Wade International Airport for all departing flights.
Inspection Notices: Skyport may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, Skyport will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. This is to inform you that an officer conducted an inspection of your property. PLEASE DO NOT LOCK YOUR CHECKED BAGGAGE unless you are using TSA approved locks to do so.
Claims: If the search officer was unable to open your bag for inspection because it was locked, the officer may have been forced to break the locks on your bag. Skyport sincerely regrets having to do this, however Skyport is not liable for damage to your locks resulting from this necessary security precaution.
Locks: Skyport has been provided universal “master” keys under agreements with Safe Skies Luggage Locks and Travel Sentry so that certain branded locks may not have to be cut to inspect baggage. These locks are commercially available, and packaging on the locks should indicate they may be opened by Skyport officers. Skyport has no position on the validity or effectiveness of these product as a security measure and will be forced to remove these products if necessary during the inspection.
Monitoring: All search activities are tracked and monitored by CCTV.
Sand, Shells, Coral & Rocks
All of the public beaches in Bermuda are in lands designated as either a park or nature reserve and are covered by the National Parks Act and Parks Regulations. As such, visitors to these protected areas are not permitted to remove anything, including the sand and rocks.
Shells that wash up on the shore also make an extremely important contribution to the ecosystem. In Bermuda, a number of shells are listed as protected under the Fisheries (Protected Species) Order 1978 and may not be collected even if they are empty.
All of Bermuda’s shallow water and deep-water corals are protected by local law and should not be collected and cannot be exported.
Therefore, Security at L. F. Wade International Airport will confiscate any sand, rocks, coral or shells in carry-ons and/or checked baggage.
Cremated Remains
At L. F. Wade International Airport, we understand how painful losing a loved one is, and we treat crematory remains with respect. Cremated remains are allowed carry-on bags and checked baggage. However, some airlines may not allow cremated remains in checked bags, so please check with your airline to learn more about possible restrictions. When travelling with cremated remains through L. F. Wade International Airport, it is highly recommended that passengers travel with the cremated remains on their person and to notify a Security Screener at the Security Checkpoint that you are travelling with them.
To facilitate screening, we suggest that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material, such as wood or plastic. If the container is made of a material that generates an opaque image, Security Screeners will not be able to clearly determine what is inside the container and the container will not be allowed. Out of respect for the deceased, Security Screeners will not open a container, even if requested by the passenger.
For any questions or concerns on what is allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage, you may contact security@skyport.bm.