15 Jan 10 HACKS FOR FLYING THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY
GET THROUGH SECURITY MORE QUICKLY AND EASIER
After the devastating attacks on 9/11, airport security has increased beyond what would seem reasonable. As irritating as airport security may be, it is a necessary evil. However, that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. In addition to the usual stresses associated with air travel, with the heightened security, we now find ourselves wading through seemingly endless checkpoint lines and overly aggressive TSA officers. Since it is a required checkpoint on the way to your flight, there are ways to make the process go as quickly as possible.
1.DRESS ACCORDINGLY
It is guaranteed you will be asked to take your shoes off, so wear slip-on shoes so you don’t have to un-tie and re-tie your shoes. That alone will shave a few minutes off your time in line. The overly-invasive TSA agent will also be giving you a rather thorough pat down so dress in as few layers as the weather permits. Since you will be going through a metal detector, be sure to minimize the metal in your pockets and on your clothes.
2. BOARDING DOCUMENTATION
Don’t keep your required boarding pass and photo identification in your bag. You’ll save precious minutes by having them in your pocket rather than having to dig for them when it comes your turn in line.
3. PACKAGED LIQUIDS AND GELS
The TSA has cracked down on the amount and type of liquids and gels you can carry on the flight with you. Take a few minutes to find out the laws and pack them accordingly. Unless they are liquid medications or infant formulas, they have to be in bottles three ounces or less.
4. PACKING YOUR CARRY-ON
Your carry-on bag will likely be sent through a scanner, so be sure to organize it in a way that will allow them a quick peek without having to pull everything out. It can take several minutes for security personnel to dig through your carry-on bag if they deem it necessary.5
5. LEAVE EARLY
It would be a good idea to get to the airport an hour or two before your flight boards. This will give you plenty of time to check in and go through airport security as well. Not only will it allow you the time necessary to go through the required security checkpoints, but will also ensure you aren’t stressed about being late for your flight.
6. NO JOKES
While your friends may enjoy your off-color jokes at home, security officers don’t take too kindly to jokes about blowing up the plane. You may find yourself on the receiving end of a full body cavity search which not only is horribly unpleasant, but also may cause you to miss your flight. They may also flag you for future flights, which will cause a world of inconvenience for any other trips you have planned.
7. BE NICE TO SECURITY PERSONNEL
Everyone has to go through the same process you do to get to their flight. Harassing the security officers won’t get you to your destination any faster, and they may even pull you out for a more thorough search just to spite you. They have a job to do, so just let them do it and keep a smile on your face. If you treat them the way you would want to be treated, you’ll find yourself sailing through airport security with minimal aggravation.
8. BE NICE TO OTHER PASSENGERS
As stated above, all passengers must go through the same security process you do. Don’t make an already tense situation even more stressful by making snide comments about your fellow travelers. You never know, the person you are rude to in line may end up being your neighbor on that eight hour flight you are desperate to get to.
9. KNOW THE RULES
You will save so much time going through security if you familiarize yourself with the laws before you even get to the airport. Check out the TSA’s website before packing so you’ll know what you can and cannot take with you on the flight. If you’re prepared ahead of time, not only will you get through security faster, you’ll be less likely to have to throw away things you’re not allowed to have on the flight.
10. BE PATIENT
Above all, be patient. The security process is there for your safety and protection. You will likely find yourself standing in line no matter what precautions you may take. Just be patient and know that you will get to your destination as long as you’ve followed the above steps. As long as you are patient through the entire process, you will not only get to your flight on time, but be happier when you get there as well.
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