Let’s face it: flying is a drag. But since most of us like to do it once in a while, it’s advisable to think ahead. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a “How to Get Through the Line Faster” page to help flyers smooth out the travel wrinkles. For detailed security information, visit the TSA’s Web site at
www.tsa.gov.
Packing Smart
The TSA advises travelers to pack an organized carry-on bag in layers—a layer of clothes, a layer of electronic gadgets, more clothes, and, finally, heavier items. This procedure helps transportation security officers see what’s in your bag. Even innocent items, if packed incorrectly, can look threatening in an x-ray image.
When possible, do not pack oversized electronics such as laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players, or cassette video cameras in your checked baggage. You will be required to remove such items from your carry-on bag when you pass security and submit them separately for x-ray screening. Small electronic devices such as iPods can remain in your carry-on baggage.
Follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons, which allows passengers to board with 3-oz or smaller bottles of liquid by volume. Prepare a 1-qt-sized clear plastic zip-top bag with bottles of liquids before arriving at the airport. At the airport, the bag should be placed in a screening bin for scanning. Passengers should consolidate bottles into one bag to expedite the screening process.
Pack all your coats and jackets in your checked baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the x-ray machine for inspection.
Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer asks to inspect a package, wrapped gifts may need to be unwrapped.
Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag. Film faster than 800 ASA should not be x-rayed. Ask a transportation security officer to inspect the film physically.
Items to be Aware of
Transportation security officers must identify any metal objects that are detected at the checkpoint. If the metal detector sounds an alarm when you pass through it, you will be required to undergo additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection.
Metal Items. Metal items such as keys, loose change, cell phones, PDAs, and heavy jewelry can cause the metal detector to go off. Other detectable items include clothing with metal buttons, snaps, or studs; metal hair barrettes or other forms of hair decoration; belt buckles; and under-wire bras.
Body Piercings. Certain metal body piercings may also cause the metal detector to sound an alarm, requiring affected passengers to undergo additional screening. If additional screening is required, you may be asked to remove your piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down search.
Head Coverings. You are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process. However, you may be subjected to additional screening if your headwear or clothing is loose or large enough to hide prohibited items.
Shoes. Travelers at all U.S. airports are required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection.
Documentation
In addition to an airline boarding pass, passengers should have one of the following forms of identification to show to security personnel: a federal or state government–issued photo ID, a U.S. or foreign-government-issued passport, a Native American tribal photo ID, or a Canadian Indian and Northern Affairs card.
The TSA advises adult travelers to keep their boarding pass and government-issued photo ID available until exiting the security checkpoint. Children are not required to show identification.
If your identification is lost or stolen, you will be required to provide a security officer with information to help verify your identity. This will slow down the process and result in additional screening.
Additional Tips
Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary among airlines and the day of travel, so check with your carrier. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
Wear Slip-On Shoes. Wearing slip-ons will allow you to take them off and put them back on quickly without having to sit down.
Pets. Please remove your pet from its carrying case and send the case through the x-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
Children. Take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers must go through the x-ray machine. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector.
