Airport Security

This page addresses some commonsense procedures to follow when it comes to getting through airport security checks. These tips may help you get through more quickly and efficiently. Sometimes there is not much you can do about avoiding long security lines, but there are things you can do to make it quicker and easier once it’s your turn.

There is of course the TSA Pre-Check option. You can save time by bypassing the line for non-pre-checked passengers and use the special pre-checked passenger TSA line. Reviewing the website, there are other advantages as well. Personally, we have not used this, but it may be something to consider in the future.

Have you seen the movie 'Up in the Air' with George Clooney? He plays a person who is hired by other companies to come in and layoff their employees. It’s actually a very good movie, so if you have not seen it, it may be something to add to your watch list. There are a couple of scenes showing George as the seasoned traveler, going through airport security quickly and efficiently. He also explains his reasoning to a fellow traveler for selecting different lines to wait in, depending on the types of people in the line. I have done this to some extent as well. I try to avoid lines where people have babies and strollers as I know they usually take longer. I also try to avoid lines where there is a family with little kids. This can often take longer as kids may have items in their pockets they didn't remove and the may have their own carryon bag containing electronics that will need to be removed and rescanned.

This got me thinking about airport security and I realized I had not written much about it.

I’m sure you know the security checks drill. You may have to remove your shoes and you will definitely have to remove your jacket and anything that has metal on it including a belt, watch and most jewelry. I have actually forgotten to remove my watch and made it through the scan without any issues. Other times the scanner caught me, and I had to remove my watch or ring and go back through.

To be safe and avoid delays or holding up the line, try to remember to remove everything ahead of time.

Have all your liquids in approved sized containers, then store all the containers in a single quart sized zipper bag. Electronics such as a laptop, phone and camera will need to be placed independently in one of the bins as they go through the x-ray machine. You can combine smaller electronics such as your phone, camera, plugs and wires in a single zipper bag making it easy to place them in a bin. There is not a bag size restriction on electronics and the bag will help keep them from being placed loosely in a bin where something may get lost or forgotten.

As you are packing, think about the security process and what you will need to do. This includes removing jewelry or other items. Think about what you will need to place in the bins. Have the zipper bags located in your backpack in a convenient location so you can easily open your pack and place them in a bin at the security check point. If you are wearing a jacket, you may want to strap it to the outside of your pack. This helps to avoid holding and juggling your backpack, jacket and other items as you prepare for the security check.

When you get to the security line, place your backpack on the rollers for the x-ray machine. Open the compartment of your backpack containing your zipper bags. Remove the bags and place them in a bin on their own. If required, remove your shoes and place them in a bin.

If you want to make the process even easier, you could wear slip on shoes and avoid having to untie and retie them if you remove them. Our travel shoes are hiking type shoes that tie, so this would not be an option for us. To give you additional room in your pack and avoid the carry-on liquid issue, you could purchase these small items upon your arrival at your destination. You can also dispose of these items prior to your return so you are not packing them and bringing them back with you.

The bottom line is, use common sense, think about the process and be prepared.