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.
If you really want to eliminate security scrutiny before your flight, then you need to sign up for TSA's Precheck program. The agency's "preapproved traveler" status is good for five years, costs only $85 and saves travelers both time and stress. According to travel experts, enrolling in Precheck is also the single best step you can take to get through the agency's checkpoints quickly. Nothing else comes close.
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.
Always follow the TSA's "3-1-1" rule. More time is wasted at a checkpoint because travelers bring shampoo, aerosols and other potions in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces. Some travelers also don't place all those bottles into a single 1-quart-sized bag, which is all they're allowed. Eliminating any oversize liquids and aerosols from your carry-on bag while you're in a security line takes time and backs that line up. Plus, you may see additional TSA scrutiny as a result.
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.
If you really want to eliminate security scrutiny before your flight, then you need to sign up for TSA's Precheck program. The agency's "preapproved traveler" status is good for five years, costs only $85 and saves travelers both time and stress. According to travel experts, enrolling in Precheck is also the single best step you can take to get through the agency's checkpoints quickly. Nothing else comes close.
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.
Always follow the TSA's "3-1-1" rule. More time is wasted at a checkpoint because travelers bring shampoo, aerosols and other potions in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces. Some travelers also don't place all those bottles into a single 1-quart-sized bag, which is all they're allowed. Eliminating any oversize liquids and aerosols from your carry-on bag while you're in a security line takes time and backs that line up. Plus, you may see additional TSA scrutiny as a result.
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:
Anxious about going through TSA security screening? You won't be at all if you follow Kelly Hoggan's insights into the airlines and TSA as well as the aviation security world in general.
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