While air travel is a wonderful luxury that the modern traveler gets to enjoy, it can also be a hectic and sometimes frustrating experience. Sometimes long lines, crowded airports and flight delays can't be avoided, but there are some strategies that airline travelers can employ to make their trip through the security screening process a smooth one.
You can avoid a lot of problems with security while you are still at home and packing for your trip. Pack in an organized fashion rather than haphazardly and things will go much more quickly should your bag need to be inspected. Pack all aerosols and any containers of liquid or gel that exceed 3.4 ounces in the luggage that you will be checking, as these items are prohibited in carry-on luggage. If you are planning to carry on liquids or gels in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, put them in one clear, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag and place it near the top of your carry-on luggage so it is easily visible.
Do not pack sharp metal objects such as knives, ice picks or tools with razor-type blades in your carry-ons. You can, however, carry on small tools and screwdrivers that are less than 7 inches long. Other items that are not allowed include torch-type lighters (the kind commonly used for lighting cigars) and even snow globes! A quick checklist of prohibited items is available at the TSA website, and if you still have questions, you can call your airline before you leave for the airport. Whenever you are not sure about an item, leave it behind or take the risk of having it confiscated.
Dress in a manner that will facilitate your trip through airport security. Avoid wearing particularly baggy clothes that might lead security personnel to suspect you're trying to hide prohibited items. Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put back on quickly, since you will be required to remove them at every security checkpoint. Gel shoe inserts are not allowed, so pack them in your checked luggage to have at your destination.
If possible, go online and print your boarding passes or security documents before you leave. Place them along with your picture ID in a secure travel wallet or another place that offers you quick and easy access.
Check the flight status and plan your departure from home, accounting for plenty of time to get to the airport, check in, go through security and get to the gate for boarding. To play it safe, allow at least two hours to go through the check-in and security process. Any less than this and you may have to rush. Rushing leads to forgetting things, making mistakes and stress.
Avoid buying drinks until after you get through security; at the checkpoint, you will be required to throw them away before you can go through. Arrive at the security checkpoint with your travel documents and ID ready. Be prepared to remove your shoes and place items from your pockets--keys, belts, cell phones and wallets, to name a few--in the trays provided. If you're carrying a laptop computer, you must take it out of its bag and put it in a tray to go through screening. Keep a close eye on all your belongings, as you and your items may go separate ways for a few moments. This can be a confusing time in a busy area. Thieves look for opportunities to take items that are not being watched, but even people with no bad intentions sometimes walk off with others' belongings inadvertently.
Be polite, easygoing and willing to respond to any requests from security personnel, and you will be on your way to the gate in no time.
