By Kelly Hoggan It's a certainty that no U.S. air traveler wakes up on the day he's flying and loudly proclaims, "I just can&...
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.
Another step you can take to speed up your TSA experience is by divesting as you go through the line. "Divesting" is simply removing anything on you that could make you stand out to security officers. These include items like metal belt buckles and shoe soles containing steel shanks or reinforcement. If possible, put all your metallic objects in an extra exterior pocket of your rollaboard bag so that screeners can easily pick them out.
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.
Ensure you divest yourself so that you can "re-vest" in the reverse order, which will speed your way nicely. Also, place your briefcase on your carry-on bag's handle before putting it on the x-ray belt, which will allow the TSA officer to see everything clearly. You'll also speed up the line by "paying it forward" and stacking any trays, bowls or tubs you used to place your items in for inspection. TSA officers' primary responsibility is to address possible security issues travelers going through screening may present. Time spent restacking trays and tubs removes them from the line and slows it down for everyone.
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.
This last step is more about consideration and manners than anything else. TSA uniformed security officers are often the lowest-paid workers found in government. Frequently, TSA checkpoint personnel meet and handle more than 1,000 travelers in an 8-hour shift, which is an exceptional number. These unappreciated security professionals appreciate even a simple smile from a traveler making her way through a security checkpoint. In fact, such smiles often result in even more consideration from TSA personnel, which is a good thing for all.
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.
Another step you can take to speed up your TSA experience is by divesting as you go through the line. "Divesting" is simply removing anything on you that could make you stand out to security officers. These include items like metal belt buckles and shoe soles containing steel shanks or reinforcement. If possible, put all your metallic objects in an extra exterior pocket of your rollaboard bag so that screeners can easily pick them out.
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.
Ensure you divest yourself so that you can "re-vest" in the reverse order, which will speed your way nicely. Also, place your briefcase on your carry-on bag's handle before putting it on the x-ray belt, which will allow the TSA officer to see everything clearly. You'll also speed up the line by "paying it forward" and stacking any trays, bowls or tubs you used to place your items in for inspection. TSA officers' primary responsibility is to address possible security issues travelers going through screening may present. Time spent restacking trays and tubs removes them from the line and slows it down for everyone.
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.
This last step is more about consideration and manners than anything else. TSA uniformed security officers are often the lowest-paid workers found in government. Frequently, TSA checkpoint personnel meet and handle more than 1,000 travelers in an 8-hour shift, which is an exceptional number. These unappreciated security professionals appreciate even a simple smile from a traveler making her way through a security checkpoint. In fact, such smiles often result in even more consideration from TSA personnel, which is a good thing for all.
About the Author:
Anxious about going through TSA security? You don't need to be if you follow Kelly Hoggan's insights into transportation security and TSA as well as the aviation security world in general.
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