No U.S. airline passenger has ever woken up the day of their flight and exclaimed, "I just can't wait to go through a TSA security checkpoint!" What's funny, though, is that the experience of clearing an "airport checkpoint" is often far less stressful than depicted in popular magazines. Also, you can really decrease the amount of time you spend with Transportation Security Administration officers going through your stuff by taking a few easy precautions.
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.
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.
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.
Finally, keep in mind that TSA's uniformed security personnel are among the lowest paid government workers around. If you consider that these officers personally meet more than 1,000 people in an 8-hour shift, it's clear they're also the most unappreciated. Often, a simple smile back at one of these security officers helps improve not only your travel experience but also everyone else's.
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.
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.
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.
Finally, keep in mind that TSA's uniformed security personnel are among the lowest paid government workers around. If you consider that these officers personally meet more than 1,000 people in an 8-hour shift, it's clear they're also the most unappreciated. Often, a simple smile back at one of these security officers helps improve not only your travel experience but also everyone else's.
About the Author:
Want a glimpse into how the government's premier aviation security agency helps contribute to airline security? Make sure to frequently check out Kelly Hoggan's thought on the security screening process and airport security in the United States.