It's a certainty that no U.S. air traveler wakes up on the day he's flying and loudly proclaims, "I just can't wait to go through airport security!" In many cases, though, the fear of going through a Transportation Security Agency checkpoint is far out of proportion to reality. Plus, you can significantly improve your chances of racing through one of the agency's checkpoints with little scrutiny by taking several simple steps.
Want to almost eliminate the chances of TSA scrutiny before your flight? The answer's simple: Sign up for the agency's Precheck "preapproved traveler" program. No other step you can take to speed your way through airport security comes close to the effectiveness of Precheck. Plus, for an $85 fee (as well as a background check) you'll be part of the program for five years, you'll have your own "Precheck lane," and much less stress.
When traveling with carry-on luggage, make sure you've freed it of any clutter and organized its contents. Never put anything in your carry-on bag that's not necessary, either. Carry a spare change of clothing, your medications and any other "safety items" you'd need. All other items should go in your checked luggage, and if you don't check a bag make sure your carry-on's contents are laid out so that everything is visible to the TSA x-ray officer, especially electronics.
When you go through a TSA security line, ensure you rid your clothing of anything that might trigger metal detectors or attract attention. Known as "divestment," putting any metal items such as belt buckles and steel-soled shoes helps you avoid additional security scrutiny. If you can, place all objects containing metal into an extra pocket in your carry-on bag, making it easy for TSA officers to see them on x-ray.
Before you enter security, use common sense. Scanning devices like magnetometers detect metal. Find a comfortable pair of "traveling shoes," such as slip-on loafers, and wear those. The same goes for your belt and other clothing. Also, don't wear all your jewelry, much of which will trigger additional scrutiny as scanners pick them up. The simple rule for travel on U.S. airlines? Don't dress like you're going to the newest, hottest club. Dress for comfort.
Divest yourself of articles when going through security so that you can easily and speedily put everything back on. If you place your briefcase or shoulder satchel on your rollaboard's handle, they'll both go through x-ray and allow security officers to see all your articles at once. You can also "pay it forward," easing your fellow travelers' way, by re-stacking "divestment trays" and tubs you used to put your things in. TSA security's primary job is to address potential traveler security issues. If they must take time to stack trays and tubs the security lines will bog down for all.
One thing that slows an airport security line down is failing to follow TSA's "3-1-1" rule. You can only bring liquids, aerosols and gels that fit into 3.4-ounce bottles, for one. And those bottles must all fit into a single quart-sized bag. Airlines all say that passengers slow down security lines quite often by failing to follow this simple TSA requirement. Plus, TSA may put them under additional screening if they're standing there trying to dump large bottles of unknown liquids.
Finally, keep in mind that TSA's uniformed security personnel are among the lowest paid government workers around. If you consider that these officers personally meet more than 1,000 people in an 8-hour shift, it's clear they're also the most unappreciated. Often, a simple smile back at one of these security officers helps improve not only your travel experience but also everyone else's.
Want to almost eliminate the chances of TSA scrutiny before your flight? The answer's simple: Sign up for the agency's Precheck "preapproved traveler" program. No other step you can take to speed your way through airport security comes close to the effectiveness of Precheck. Plus, for an $85 fee (as well as a background check) you'll be part of the program for five years, you'll have your own "Precheck lane," and much less stress.
When traveling with carry-on luggage, make sure you've freed it of any clutter and organized its contents. Never put anything in your carry-on bag that's not necessary, either. Carry a spare change of clothing, your medications and any other "safety items" you'd need. All other items should go in your checked luggage, and if you don't check a bag make sure your carry-on's contents are laid out so that everything is visible to the TSA x-ray officer, especially electronics.
When you go through a TSA security line, ensure you rid your clothing of anything that might trigger metal detectors or attract attention. Known as "divestment," putting any metal items such as belt buckles and steel-soled shoes helps you avoid additional security scrutiny. If you can, place all objects containing metal into an extra pocket in your carry-on bag, making it easy for TSA officers to see them on x-ray.
Before you enter security, use common sense. Scanning devices like magnetometers detect metal. Find a comfortable pair of "traveling shoes," such as slip-on loafers, and wear those. The same goes for your belt and other clothing. Also, don't wear all your jewelry, much of which will trigger additional scrutiny as scanners pick them up. The simple rule for travel on U.S. airlines? Don't dress like you're going to the newest, hottest club. Dress for comfort.
Divest yourself of articles when going through security so that you can easily and speedily put everything back on. If you place your briefcase or shoulder satchel on your rollaboard's handle, they'll both go through x-ray and allow security officers to see all your articles at once. You can also "pay it forward," easing your fellow travelers' way, by re-stacking "divestment trays" and tubs you used to put your things in. TSA security's primary job is to address potential traveler security issues. If they must take time to stack trays and tubs the security lines will bog down for all.
One thing that slows an airport security line down is failing to follow TSA's "3-1-1" rule. You can only bring liquids, aerosols and gels that fit into 3.4-ounce bottles, for one. And those bottles must all fit into a single quart-sized bag. Airlines all say that passengers slow down security lines quite often by failing to follow this simple TSA requirement. Plus, TSA may put them under additional screening if they're standing there trying to dump large bottles of unknown liquids.
Finally, keep in mind that TSA's uniformed security personnel are among the lowest paid government workers around. If you consider that these officers personally meet more than 1,000 people in an 8-hour shift, it's clear they're also the most unappreciated. Often, a simple smile back at one of these security officers helps improve not only your travel experience but also everyone else's.
About the Author:
Want to know how security screening process security helps keep your travel experience safe? Make sure you frequently check out Kelly Hoggan's thoughts on the Transportation Security Administration and airline security in general.
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