Since the events of September 11, 2001 airports have clamped down on security measures. Lines are longer, people are tense, and the entire airport experience has taken a more serious attitude. If you adhere to the following advice, you can minimize your wait time, and have a more enjoyable travel experience.
Key Travel Tips
In an effort to minimize your wait time at security check points, follow these tips:
Before the Airport
- Do not pack or bring prohibited items to the airport.
- Try not to bring wrapped presents to the airport. TSA is recommending that you either ship wrapped packages ahead of time or wrap on arrival. If the package alarms, TSA will need to unwrap it to investigate the source of the alarm.
- Avoid wearing shoes, clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal .
- Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
- Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases.
- Place identification tags in and on all of your baggage. Don't forget to label your laptop computer. These are one of the most forgotten items at Screening Checkpoints.
At the Airport - Put metal in your carry-on bag. This includes jewelry, loose change, keys, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs).
- Take out your laptop computer. Place it in a bin, separate from its carrying case.
- Take off your outer coat. Place it in a bin. Suit jackets and blazers do not have to be removed, unless requested by the screener.
Allow extra time
- The heightened security measures require more time to properly screen travelers, both at baggage check in, and at security checkpoints. Travelers should contact their airline to find out how early they should arrive at the airport. Airports can range in wait times - a good rule of thumb is to allow an additional 45 minutes for security related waiting.
- Curbside check-in is available on an airport and/or airline basis. Travelers should contact the airline directly to see if curbside check-in is available for their trip. Curbside check-in is always a nice option when available, as it can save considerable time - sometimes up to a 30 minutes savings.
Top tips for your luggage - If possible, only take carry on luggage - this will remove the risk of lost or stolen luggage, as well as permit you to avoid the delay of waiting to pick up your lugagge after you arrive.
- Don;t put heavy items in the overhead storage - tough to get up, tough to get down. If it is heavy, put it on the floor.
- Let them know the bag is yours. Mark each piece of luggage with your personal information. If your bag gets misplaced, it will be much easier for airport personnel to get your bags back to you.
- Make your bag recognizable. It is a good idea to put a bandana, ribbon, or other item on your bag to differentiate it from all the others.
- Keep your valuables on you. If you can't stand the thought of losing an item, keep it in your carry-on.
- Make sure to keep the ticket stub from your checked luggage. Some airports will not let you pick up any luggage without a corresponding ticket.
- Don't pack hazardous materials.
For a complete list of security resources, check the official site of the Transportation Security Administration |
