Guidance for Traveling This Sukos With Arba Minim

by Rockland Daily Staff

To avoid potential problems for travelers carrying arba minim,  guidelines from the Transporation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) should be reviewed before departure.

Both the TSA and CPB have notified their respective field personnel about Sukkos, including the fact that the holiday comes with increased levels of travel by Yidden, many of whom will be traveling with their arba minim. 

The agencies have also provided clear information and made it available to the public while emphasizing to airports and border crossing officials the religious significance of the arba minim. The guidance outlines how to properly deal with any possible security or health issues traveling with the arba minim might potentially create.

While issues reported by past travelers traveling with the arba minim have been troubling, the majority of such problems have stemmed from a lack of knowledge regarding what the arba minim is for.

This year, Agudath Israel has contacted both the TSA and CBP to educate and clarify the facts for both agencies to facilitate a smoother process. 

The TSA Notice makes it clear that "the arba minim carried in airports, through security checkpoints or on aircraft, is not on the 'prohibited items list' and provides instructions for travelers carrying them and can be opened in Chrome here. 

CBP Guidance, including detailed information regarding the inspection process for personal arba minim, can be opened in Chrome here.