The holiday season is winding down and most people have completed their travel. For many holiday travelers, the season brought many lessons about what not to do to get through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) easily. Fortunately, their inconvenience can help you avoid common airport security mistakes and breeze through TSA checkpoints. Here are six things you can do to make your travel experience as painless as possible.
Familiarize Yourself with Prohibited Items
Before you can know what not to pack, you must know what isn't allowed. Since the TSA constantly updates and modifies their list of banned items, your first packing step should be to check the TSA website for the current list of prohibited items.
Search Everything
Before you even begin to pack, lay out everything and search it with the eye of a TSA screener. Search every pocket of every item of clothing that's going with you. Before placing anything into your luggage, check every pocket, every crevice and every corner of every bag. You probably don't have any stray explosives hiding in a jacket pocket, but it's easy to overlook little things like scissors, pocket knives and other common items that are prohibited. If TSA finds one of these things, you won't be sent to Guantanamo, but it will slow things down and will subject you to an enhanced screening. This will likely be repeated again on your return flight.
Dress Like You're Going Through Security
By now, most travelers know that they will have to remove metal items and shoes as they pass through security. Prepare for this by minimizing the amount of metal you are wearing and carrying. Place items like cell phones and car keys in your carry-on bag. Don't forget about body piercings. Most piercings won't alert the metal detector, but they might warrant further screening during a pat downs. Also, try to stuff your coat into your carry on if there's room. Coats must pass through the x-ray machine. Try to wear shoes that are easily removed.
Don't Wrap Presents
Although wrapped presents are not specifically banned, TSA officers will require you to open them if there is any question of their contents. To avoid additional work and save time, wait to wrap gifts at your destination.
Keep Electronics Readily Accessible
Large electronic devices such as laptops and large video cameras must pass through the x-ray machine. Often, TSA officers will require travelers to power on the devices to ensure the battery is truly a battery. Be prepared for this by keeping the items in an easily accessible laptop bag. TSA offers suggestions for presenting laptops during screening.
Start Preparing Early
After reading this, you'll already be well prepared to pass through security, but some things have to be done on-site. As you're in line, begin preparing for inspection. The first thing you'll be asked to do is present your tickets and identification. Have these items in your hand. Remove any last minute items like belts, cell phones, wallets, car keys, etc. and place them in your carryon.
Additional Tips
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Familiarize children with what is going to happen at security. Practice a pat down with them so they aren't surprised when a stranger touches them.
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Learn about the 3-1-1 rule for liquids.
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Download the TSA mobile app for additional tips and information.
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Frequent travelers should consider the TSA Precheck Program for expedited security screening.
Conclusion
No traveler enjoys security screening, but it can't be avoided. Fortunately, simply taking the time to familiarize yourself with the procedure and to prepare yourself and your luggage can make the ordeal much easier.
