The Last Minute Travel Fact Center

No matter where you plan to travel, there are security lines in nearly all airports in the world these days.  Some folks 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 tricks that will make it easier for you and your fellow passengers.  Think ahead, so you’re not doing all of this just as you get to the front of the line.

Take any loose change out of your pockets .  Cell phones and billfolds should be placed into one of those little bins they provide also.  Remember heavy watches, bracelets, and belt buckles can set of the alarm. Take those off and place them in your carry-on luggage before you get to the front of the line or place them in the trays.

Consolidate books and snacks so you won’t have so much to gather back together after you’ve made it through the line.

In the United States, you have to take your shoes off.  Slip-on shoes will come off and go on faster.  Shoes with zippers and laces will slow you down…but have your shoes ready to take off 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 out of your carry-on, 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 system when you put your stuff into bins on the screening belt.  If you put things through the screening in the right order, you’ll be able to put yourself back together faster afterward.  Here’s a good way to do this.

Put you shoes, coat and your carry-on “personal item” (usually your smaller bag) in the first bin.   They will pass through the x-ray first, and you can put them back on while you’re waiting for your other items to be screened.

If you have a computer, put your carry-on bag for your laptop in the bin before 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 to the side so you don’t slow up the line.  There are usually a few chairs against a wall nearby where you can sit down and put yourself back together.  

You will irritate the other passengers AND the screening officers if you stand there and put your shoes on…. leaving your bin on the screening belt while others back up behind yours.  Airports report that about 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!

You’re going to read this, and the next time you travel, you’re going to move through that security checkpoint 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.