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.
Prepare yourself before you hit TSA screening by "divesting along the way." To "divest" is to remove any items on your person that might trigger extra examination, such as metal belt buckles or shoes with steel shanks in their soles. Leave an additional exterior pocket on your carry-on bag to place all the metal objects you might be carrying. The security officer manning the scanners will be able to pick them out quickly.
Common sense is needed when dealing with TSA. There are magnetometers (metal detectors) sensitive enough to detect even small amounts of metal, such as key chains. Plus, avoid wearing shoes containing steels shanks in their soles, because they'll trigger TSA magnetometers. If you can, wear comfortable loafers or athletic shoes. And always examine for your clothing to ensure nothing on it will trip metal detectors. Finally, don't wear lots of jewelry and don't dress like you're hitting a stylish club. Dress for comfort and travel.
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.
Lastly, remember that uniformed Transportation Security Agency officers rank among the lowest-paid employees in the government. Those officers frequently interact with 1,000 travelers a shift, and they're honestly the unsung heroes of air security. Generally, better treatment of TSA's frontline employees by air travelers also often results in better treatment back from them.
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.
Prepare yourself before you hit TSA screening by "divesting along the way." To "divest" is to remove any items on your person that might trigger extra examination, such as metal belt buckles or shoes with steel shanks in their soles. Leave an additional exterior pocket on your carry-on bag to place all the metal objects you might be carrying. The security officer manning the scanners will be able to pick them out quickly.
Common sense is needed when dealing with TSA. There are magnetometers (metal detectors) sensitive enough to detect even small amounts of metal, such as key chains. Plus, avoid wearing shoes containing steels shanks in their soles, because they'll trigger TSA magnetometers. If you can, wear comfortable loafers or athletic shoes. And always examine for your clothing to ensure nothing on it will trip metal detectors. Finally, don't wear lots of jewelry and don't dress like you're hitting a stylish club. Dress for comfort and travel.
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.
Lastly, remember that uniformed Transportation Security Agency officers rank among the lowest-paid employees in the government. Those officers frequently interact with 1,000 travelers a shift, and they're honestly the unsung heroes of air security. Generally, better treatment of TSA's frontline employees by air travelers also often results in better treatment back from them.
About the Author:
Want insight into how the government's premier aviation security agency helps contribute to airline security? Make sure to frequently check out Kelly Hoggan's explanations on the security screening process and airport security in general.
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