Five Airport Security Tips and Hints to Get You Through Fast
Posted by Jeffrey on February 5th, 2009
If you have been through an airport in the last seven years, there are a group of people that exists via the acronym, TSA. Now TSA stands for “Transportation Security Administration.” There are different, not so nice names, for them as well. Over the years their screening process has gotten better but it still amazes me how long it can take to get through security at an airport.
Anyway, enough about them. This article is suppose to be about what you can do to get through security a little faster the next time you are there.
- Visit the TSA Website – This is IMPORTANT! You have to know what you can and can’t carry through security checkpoint. Though the rules my seem stupid, don’t you be! Click here: http://www.tsa.gov and be informed!
- Pack, then repack – If you think you may have trouble getting through security, then check your bag at the ticket counter. Don’t risk having your precious bottle of shampoo tossed in the dumpster. If you must have it, follow 3-1-1. For more information visit the TSA Website.
- Remove the metal- Don’t wear watches, big earrings, big metal belt buckles, or shoes when going through the metal detector. If you don’t want to be embarrassed, take them off! I see this ALL the time. Give yourself a pat-down BEFORE you get in line so that when it is your turn, things go a little faster.
- Yes Sir, Yes Ma’am- Don’t argue with the TSA screener…you will lose… and just make it miserable day for you. TSA Screeners can be like police persons, that is, completely irrational at times. They are drones. They buzz around their machines doing exactly what they have been told to do. Thinking outside the box is not in their job descriptions. So just follow the rules and everything will go fine.
- Arrive early, then relax- Get to the airport early. At least an hour or more before departure. I’ve seen security lines that take longer to get through than a ride in Disneyland. Most airports have a Starbucks or something yummy to eat inside security, so get there early, get through security, and then make it an event. Get your coffee, find your gate, and relax…you will be glad you did…
Flying commercial is not a lot of fun but in most cases it is a necessity. Don’t add stress to your life by getting uptight about TSA security. These folks have a job to do and if you get upset and don’t let it go, you will be the only one that remembers it in five minutes. Just accept it and the people that run it for what it is.
And remember, TSA has a huge responsibility and are constantly under scrutiny so they have to be enforcers and it isn’t always a pleasant experience.
Here are some additional sites that you might want to visit before your go to the airport:
- TSA Prohibited Items
- The 411 on the 3-1-1 for Carry-ons
- Traveler Need-to-Know and Special Needs, i.e., disabilities, medical conditions, military, religious and cultural needs.
And if you need ideas on how to pack, consider picking up this ebook: Packing Secrets Revealed. You will never see packing in the same way again!
To Your Flying Success…
Jeffrey
