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.
Want to race through any TSA security checkpoint? The agency makes it easy to do so through its Precheck program. There's no single thing you can do that's more effective in speeding you through security than paying TSA an $85 fee, undergoing a background check and getting Precheck approval. That fee also covers five years' worth of stress-free TSA security interactions, too, and it will save you lots of time.
If you travel with a carry-on bag, make sure you've "de-cluttered" it. Put just what you really need in that carry-on, too, such as a change of clothes and any medications, and that you're putting the rest in your checked luggage. If all you bring is a carry-on, then arrange everything neatly within so the x-ray operator can see it. This is especially so when it comes to any electronic devices.
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.
One thing that slows an airport security line down is failing to follow TSA's "3-1-1" rule. You can only bring liquids, aerosols and gels that fit into 3.4-ounce bottles, for one. And those bottles must all fit into a single quart-sized bag. Airlines all say that passengers slow down security lines quite often by failing to follow this simple TSA requirement. Plus, TSA may put them under additional screening if they're standing there trying to dump large bottles of unknown liquids.
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.
Want to race through any TSA security checkpoint? The agency makes it easy to do so through its Precheck program. There's no single thing you can do that's more effective in speeding you through security than paying TSA an $85 fee, undergoing a background check and getting Precheck approval. That fee also covers five years' worth of stress-free TSA security interactions, too, and it will save you lots of time.
If you travel with a carry-on bag, make sure you've "de-cluttered" it. Put just what you really need in that carry-on, too, such as a change of clothes and any medications, and that you're putting the rest in your checked luggage. If all you bring is a carry-on, then arrange everything neatly within so the x-ray operator can see it. This is especially so when it comes to any electronic devices.
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.
One thing that slows an airport security line down is failing to follow TSA's "3-1-1" rule. You can only bring liquids, aerosols and gels that fit into 3.4-ounce bottles, for one. And those bottles must all fit into a single quart-sized bag. Airlines all say that passengers slow down security lines quite often by failing to follow this simple TSA requirement. Plus, TSA may put them under additional screening if they're standing there trying to dump large bottles of unknown liquids.
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 TSA helps contribute to airline security? Make sure to frequently check out Kelly Hoggan's thought on the TSA and airport security in general.
