Cruise Through Security Lines
No matter where you plan to travel, there are security lines in nearly all airports in the world these days. Many people may not fly that often, and consequently are not prepared for the security check process. If you want to get through those lines like the frequent flyers do, there are a few things that will make it faster for you and your fellow passengers. Think beforehand, so you’re not doing all of this just as you get to the front of the line.
Empty your pockets of loose change. Wallets and cell phones should be placed into one of those little trays they provide also. Remember heavy watches, bracelets, and belt buckles can set of the alarm. Take those off and stow them in your carry-on luggage before you get to the head of the line or place them in the bins.
Consolidate books and snacks so you won’t have so much to gather back together once you’ve made it through the line.
In the United States, you have remove your shoes. Slip-on shoes will speed up this manuver. Shoes with zippers and laces will slow you down…but have your shoes untied or unzipped before you get to the front of the line. (Take care when you put them back on that you don’t trip on your laces and fall on your face!)
Have your one quart/one liter plastic bag with your liquids, creams and gels in your hands and put it in a bin. Remember each liquid should be 3 ounces/100 ml or less, right? Don’t any loose liquids in your carry-on luggage. In most countries, if you have “medically necessary” liquids or baby food, , those can exceed your plastic bag allowance, but you must notify a screening officer.
Have a plan when you put your stuff into bins on the screening belt. If you put things in an organized way, you’ll be able to put yourself back together faster afterward. Here’s a few tips on how to do it.
First put your shoes, coat and your carry-on “personal item” (usually your smaller bag) in the first bin. They will come through the x-ray first, so you can put them back on while you’re waiting for your other items to be screened.
If you have a computer, put your laptop case in the bin ahead of your computer, then when your computer comes through, you’ll have the laptop bag ready to slip the computer right into it.
If it’s going to going to be slow putting your shoes back on, gather all your stuff and move out of the way so the line doesn’t get jammed up. There are usually a few chairs against a wall nearby where you can sit down and put yourself back together.
You will annoy your fellow travelers AND the screening officers if you stand there and try to put those shoes on…. leaving your bin on the screening belt while others back up behind yours. Airports report that almost half of all security check slowdowns are caused by people putting themselves together after screening without moving to the side…. don’t be that inconsiderate person!
After you read this, and the next time you travel, you’re going to move through that security screening with a plan… and they’ll think you’re an expert traveler no matter whether you are a frequent flyer or not. Plan your trip through the security checks as completely as you plan your vacation.
