It's a sure bet that U.S. airline passengers aren't champing at the bit to spend even more time at a Transportation Security Administration airport checkpoint than they already are. Funnily, however, the real-world experience in a TSA line is frequently less stressful than most know. Plus, travelers can seriously reduce the time they'll spend going through security and having their stuff closely examined by following a few simple rules.
If you really want to eliminate security scrutiny before your flight, then you need to sign up for TSA's Precheck program. The agency's "preapproved traveler" status is good for five years, costs only $85 and saves travelers both time and stress. According to travel experts, enrolling in Precheck is also the single best step you can take to get through the agency's checkpoints quickly. Nothing else comes close.
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.
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.
Using common sense with TSA can help you significantly. Security checkpoints contain metal detectors and they're sensitive enough to pick out even small metal objects in shoes. You should travel wearing comfortable footwear such as loafers for men or "flats" for women. Look at your clothing for excessive zippers, buckles and such. Also, avoid wearing excessive jewelry that will "alarm" or trip metal detectors. Basically, don't dress for the club, dress for travel.
Ensure you divest yourself so that you can "re-vest" in the reverse order, which will speed your way nicely. Also, place your briefcase on your carry-on bag's handle before putting it on the x-ray belt, which will allow the TSA officer to see everything clearly. You'll also speed up the line by "paying it forward" and stacking any trays, bowls or tubs you used to place your items in for inspection. TSA officers' primary responsibility is to address possible security issues travelers going through screening may present. Time spent restacking trays and tubs removes them from the line and slows it down for everyone.
The TSA's major rule for travelers is "3-1-1." Simply put, you can have liquids, gels and aerosols in bottles exceeding 3.4 ounces, and they all must fit in one single quart-size bag. The airlines say their passengers lose a lot of time in TSA lines when they must dump too-large shampoo and other bottles or if they don't have it all in a single bag. They also draw TSA attention to themselves.
Lastly, remember that uniformed Transportation Security Agency officers rank among the lowest-paid employees in the government. Those officers frequently interact with 1,000 travelers a shift, and they're honestly the unsung heroes of air security. Generally, better treatment of TSA's frontline employees by air travelers also often results in better treatment back from them.
If you really want to eliminate security scrutiny before your flight, then you need to sign up for TSA's Precheck program. The agency's "preapproved traveler" status is good for five years, costs only $85 and saves travelers both time and stress. According to travel experts, enrolling in Precheck is also the single best step you can take to get through the agency's checkpoints quickly. Nothing else comes close.
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.
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.
Using common sense with TSA can help you significantly. Security checkpoints contain metal detectors and they're sensitive enough to pick out even small metal objects in shoes. You should travel wearing comfortable footwear such as loafers for men or "flats" for women. Look at your clothing for excessive zippers, buckles and such. Also, avoid wearing excessive jewelry that will "alarm" or trip metal detectors. Basically, don't dress for the club, dress for travel.
Ensure you divest yourself so that you can "re-vest" in the reverse order, which will speed your way nicely. Also, place your briefcase on your carry-on bag's handle before putting it on the x-ray belt, which will allow the TSA officer to see everything clearly. You'll also speed up the line by "paying it forward" and stacking any trays, bowls or tubs you used to place your items in for inspection. TSA officers' primary responsibility is to address possible security issues travelers going through screening may present. Time spent restacking trays and tubs removes them from the line and slows it down for everyone.
The TSA's major rule for travelers is "3-1-1." Simply put, you can have liquids, gels and aerosols in bottles exceeding 3.4 ounces, and they all must fit in one single quart-size bag. The airlines say their passengers lose a lot of time in TSA lines when they must dump too-large shampoo and other bottles or if they don't have it all in a single bag. They also draw TSA attention to themselves.
Lastly, remember that uniformed Transportation Security Agency officers rank among the lowest-paid employees in the government. Those officers frequently interact with 1,000 travelers a shift, and they're honestly the unsung heroes of air security. Generally, better treatment of TSA's frontline employees by air travelers also often results in better treatment back from them.
About the Author:
Want insight into how the government's premier aviation security agency helps contribute to airline security? Make sure to frequently check out Kelly Hoggan's thoughts on the TSA and airport security in the United States.
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