Airline Security Checkpoints Tips
Move efficiently through airport X-ray lines
Those airport security and carry-on checkpoint lines could move much faster and more smoothly if everyone knew the drill. Here are some tips for you and your luggage.
Wake up! Be ready to go at the airport security checkpoints, ID in hand. Try to relax and don't crack jokes. If everyone was clear on what was expected of them at the security checkpoint, there'd be a lot less stress involved in flying. HOT TIP - PRINT THIS OUT AND TAKE ALONG.
Here is your step-by-step procedure for moving efficiently through the security checkpoint -
- When you show up in line, have your photo ID and gate ticket/boarding pass ready to present when asked of you.
- Once you are cleared, immediately secure your ID and pass somewhere safe. You won't need your ID again, but will need to show your boarding pass at the gate to embark on your plane.
- Step forward into the 'area of confusion', where people are removing their shoes, coats, keys, cell phones, Blackberrys, iPods, carry on luggage and wallets. Take a deep breath and remove your shoes. Drink any last water from your water bottle or dump it into the trash.
- Grab a plastic security tray for your shoes, wallet, keys, coat and anything else that is loose. Put your baggie of toiletries in other tray (this is the quart-sized Ziplock of your liquid and gel items, all under 3 ounces). Grab another tray for your laptop alone. Then put your carry on bag(s) next to your pile of booty.
- Don't send anything through yet. You want to keep an eye on your stuff.
- Wait to be motioned through the security metal detector arch, nod, then push your belongings through the baggage X-Ray machine. Walk under the arch, all the while eyeing your belongings.
- If you have successfully removed all your metal items, you won't have to go back through the arch. Then you can get back to the X-ray machine before your personal items spit back out the other side.
- Re-assemble your items - shoes and coat back on, keys and wallet in pockets, laptop returned to carry-on, carry-on slung back over your shoulder.
- Quickly move on so the next person can handle their items without reaching around you.
A few more points to bear in mind -
- Don't make bomb, gun or terrorist jokes to airport security personell. Or to anyone in an airport. No one will think you are funny and you may wind up being interrogated. Or the recipient of some vigilante airport justice, face-down with a knee in your back. Just be a good little sheep.
- Don't let your spouse try to be funny, either.
- Wear shoes that are easy to remove. I like to wear flip flops to fly. Since my feet swell in flight, flip flops are just more comfortable anyway.
- You really HAVE to remove your shoes. It's too easy to wedge a nice chunk of C4 in your soles - enough to rip the belly right off your plane. So be glad they care enough to make you go barefoot in a dirty airport.
- There are thieves who take advantage of checkpoint confusion to make off with your unattended laptops and wallets. You really do need to watch your valuables like a hawk.
Related, on Suite101:
The copyright of the article Airline Security Checkpoints Tips in Business Air Travel is owned by Dan Florio. Permission to republish Airline Security Checkpoints Tips must be granted by the author in writing.
