Tips for passing through airport security easily include knowing the rules, packing liquids in a clear plastic bag, avoiding metal items, removing jackets and shoes, keeping electronics accessible, using TSA locks, and having a positive attitude towards security officers. Arrive two hours before your flight to avoid feeling rushed.
Today’s travelers can plan to face quite a few problems when they plan to fly. For many, the biggest waste of time, or the thing they worry most about, is how to get through airport security with ease. There are actually a number of tips and strategies you can use to move through security checkpoints quickly, without getting in the way of everyone else. More importantly, if you follow these tips, you’re less likely to be stopped by Transportation Security Agency (TSA) employees or similar companies in other countries. If you’re flying outside the rules, expect a much higher scrutiny from the TSA.
First of all, in order to pass the airport security easily, you need to know the rules. These may be subject to change, possibly with more stringent restrictions. If you haven’t flown in a while, familiarize yourself with what items are prohibited and how they should be packed to avoid being stopped or having to give up items. Recent changes include stricter rules on flying anything in liquid or gel form.
All liquids and gels must be packaged in containers of three ounces (0.89 liters) or less and must all be in the same plastic bag. Plan ahead and pack these small items in a bag no larger than a quart. Better yet, only bring what’s necessary. Buy deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and the like after the flight and not before. If you need to bring liquid prescription medications with you, bring a prescription for one of these medications and be sure to declare them before checking in. Don’t put them in the same quart bag if they’re larger than three ounces.
Another tip for getting through airport security easily is to make sure you’re not wearing a lot of items that can set off metal detectors. Remove all jewelry, except wedding or engagement rings, which are easily visible. Don’t wear piercings, especially if they are in invisible places. Skip rings, necklaces, multiple earrings, and bracelets.
If you plan on wearing a belt, try to find one without a metal buckle, or at least remove the belt before you get to the top of the line. Avoid clothing with metal rivets and buttons. Try to wear very basic, non-bulky clothes, and don’t layer your clothes if you can help it or you may end up having to strip off the layers.
While waiting in line, take off your jacket before it’s your turn and take off your shoes as well. Wear slip-on shoes with socks to avoid picking any unsightly foot fungi and to avoid having to untie your shoes. Remember that some items will always be checked, including:
Boarding pass and/or ticket
Log in
Any items in your pocket (keys, cell phones)
Laptop
PDA
To make sure you get through airport security easily, keep your laptop in an easily accessible place and make sure it has enough power to turn on. Likewise, keep your cell phone, pager, or any other communication device or PDA together so they can be turned on and inspected quickly. Keep your ID and ticket handy in a pocket or shallow purse. Alternatively, a fanny pack is a good place to keep them. Try to remove everything you don’t need from your pockets.
If you are strongly convinced that you have locks on your luggage, then buy TSA locks. TSA agents can open them easily. If your bag is locked with an unapproved lock, you risk having the lock cut. Also identify your bag by writing your name and phone number on each piece. This prevents you from accidentally picking up someone else’s luggage and is a signal to officers that you are only carrying your own luggage.
Finally, your attitude can help you pass through airport security easily or at least more easily. Do not be resentful, hostile or threatening towards security officers. Never joke, insinuate, hint, or otherwise mention anything about exploding airplanes, terrorists, or bombs. Remember that TSA agents are there to do a job and to keep you safe. They’re not to blame if you make their job harder by putting things like laptops in the bottom of your luggage, or by not meeting the gel and liquid requirements. Finally, arrive two hours before your flight so you have time to clear the security lines without seeming rushed, harassed, or annoyed that you might miss your flight.
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