Tips for Simplifying Your Airport Security Experience

Travel Tips

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By Ryan Gargiulo

[box type=”info”] Don’t miss: 3 Ways to Simplify Your Airport Security Experience [/box]

Airport Security
Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/viriyincy/

Finding cheap flights to your chosen getaway destination is the easy part – getting there is another matter. With heightened airport security and dozens of airline rules and regulations to navigate, flying can be a daunting task.

What most people don’t know is that travel doesn’t have to be a hassle. All you need to do is utilize a few of the following techniques.

Look Before You Book!

Before booking your flight, check the airline’s hold and hand baggage policy – as weight allowances, as well as costs, can vary drastically.

Here’s a great tool that I use to find out about which airlines charge which fees: Kayak: Airline Fees.

Don’t forget to measure and weigh your bag very carefully before you get to the airport, because an oversized/overweight bag can leave you with some even heavier charges!

Your best bet would be to pick up one of these cheap and reliable digital luggage scales made by my good friend David from Davidsbeenhere. This small investment could save you a lot of money in the long run!

Dress Smart

Forget fashion when it comes to airport chic. When you go through airport security you’ll need to remove all hats, belts, watches and jewellery.  Here’s my best advice – don’t wear any in the first place!

As for shoes and jackets, place your jacket inside of your hand luggage before you get to security, and wear a pair of shoes that can be easily slipped on and off without any bending down and untying.

If you’re headed to a warm destination, toss on your flip flops for the airport. This will make your airport security experience that much more simple.

Liquids, liquids, liquids!

Follow the 3-1-1 rule:

3-1-1- TSA Liquid Rules
Image courtesy of: http://www.tsa.gov/311/

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure. – http://www.tsa.gov/311/

Your liquids and gel containers will need to be packed into a clear plastic bag with a zip-seal. They’ll need to be removed from your hand luggage when you place it on the belt, so put them into your hand luggage last so they can be quickly retrieved.

Packing & Organization is Key!

Keep your hand luggage to a minimum, and keep it organized. This way, if your bag ends up needing to be searched by a TSA employee, it will make it easier for them to take a quick look inside of your bag and send you on your way.

Laptops & Electronics

If you’re planning on packing a laptop in your carry on luggage, be sure to have it removed from your bag and ready to go through the x-ray machine. I’ve seen way too many people lined up getting their bags searched after not listening to the TSA when they tell them to take their laptops out of their bags to be scanned.

If you fail to listen to a simple instruction like taking your laptop out of your bag, there’s a really good chance that the TSA will wonder what else you’ve got in your bag.

TIP:  This DIY Laptop Case might be useful for you when it comes to sliding in and out of security fast and efficiently.

Listen up and Stay Alert!

Listen closely to airport security staff and pay attention at all times when passing through security. Oh, and for the time being, turn off your cell phone! It’s only going to distract you and hold you up.

Remember, there’s people around you that want to get through airport security and be done with it. Be respectful of these smart travelers.

Once you’ve retrieved your belongings leave the security area before re-packing your things. After airport security, there are usually tables set up for people to reorganize their carry on luggage. Be sure to keep your boarding pass close by as it will need to be screened again when you board your flight.

Related Article: 9 Tips for Comfortable Flights

4 thoughts on “Tips for Simplifying Your Airport Security Experience”

  1. Thank you so much for sharing wonderful and informative article for traveller like me.
    Keep doing good job ahead.

    Reply
  2. While all of your advice is very on point, it is frustrating to me that it is not common sense for most people. Basically your advice is follow the rules and be conscientious. When people are travelling they seem to put on the blinders and become very self concerned. If everyone would just take off those blinders, security lines would go much smoother.

    Reply
  3. Airport security is stricter than it has been for years. I went through Houston airport last week and if you beep going through the metal detector you get the pat down or full body scan.

    Reply

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