It's a certainty that no U.S. air traveler wakes up on the day he's flying and loudly proclaims, "I just can't wait to go through airport security!" In many cases, though, the fear of going through a Transportation Security Agency checkpoint is far out of proportion to reality. Plus, you can significantly improve your chances of racing through one of the agency's checkpoints with little scrutiny by taking several simple steps.
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.
Do you travel with a rollaboard or carryon bag? Then make sure it's been well-organized and free of clutter. Only travel with the necessities in that carryon, too. Things like a change of clothes and your must-have medicines and the like. Put everything else in your checked luggage. And if all you have is a rollaboard bag, then arrange its contents neatly (especially any electronic devices) so it's all visible to the x-ray operator.
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.
This last step is more about consideration and manners than anything else. TSA uniformed security officers are often the lowest-paid workers found in government. Frequently, TSA checkpoint personnel meet and handle more than 1,000 travelers in an 8-hour shift, which is an exceptional number. These unappreciated security professionals appreciate even a simple smile from a traveler making her way through a security checkpoint. In fact, such smiles often result in even more consideration from TSA personnel, which is a good thing for all.
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.
Do you travel with a rollaboard or carryon bag? Then make sure it's been well-organized and free of clutter. Only travel with the necessities in that carryon, too. Things like a change of clothes and your must-have medicines and the like. Put everything else in your checked luggage. And if all you have is a rollaboard bag, then arrange its contents neatly (especially any electronic devices) so it's all visible to the x-ray operator.
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.
This last step is more about consideration and manners than anything else. TSA uniformed security officers are often the lowest-paid workers found in government. Frequently, TSA checkpoint personnel meet and handle more than 1,000 travelers in an 8-hour shift, which is an exceptional number. These unappreciated security professionals appreciate even a simple smile from a traveler making her way through a security checkpoint. In fact, such smiles often result in even more consideration from TSA personnel, which is a good thing for all.
About the Author:
Want to know how security screening process security helps keep your travel experience safe? Make sure you frequently check out Kelly Hoggan's explanations on the government's premier aviation security agency and airport security in general.
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