In this post-September 11 world of increased airport security, travelers really need to be informed and prepared. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed standardized security screening procedures for all airports. Therefore, you can expect that you will encounter essentially the same procedures at each airport you visit.
Although flying has never been safer, there are increased wait times and there is a long list of items that should not be packed in your checked or carry-on luggage. These are the obvious things like explosives, but there are other, seemingly harmless items, that are prohibited. See a full list on the TSA Web site. You could also check with your airline. Use the Airlines and Agents A-Z index on Cheapflights.com to find your carrier.
First things first, always make sure you have the correct photo ID and boarding pass.
Before you arrive at the airport
You don't have to dress well to get through security, but certain clothing and accessories can set off the metal detector and slow you down. These can include rings, watches, cuff links, body piercings, metal buttons or snaps, hair barrettes, belt buckles and pins. Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening, even if the metal detector does not go off.
- Bulky coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine, so if you pack your outer coat or jacket in your checked baggage it will save precious seconds.
- Pack smart. There are restrictions on what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage. All of your baggage will be screened and possibly hand-searched as part of the new security measures. This inspection may include emptying most or all of the articles in your bag. Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it. Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage. Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags (or as many as your airline allows). Avoid packing food and drinks in checked baggage and don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.
- If you're carrying a laptop computer, have it out of its case and ready for examination at the checkpoint. If requested, be prepared to open it and turn it on. Make sure the battery is fully charged or that you have a power cord with you. Laptops can be passed through X- ray machines without damaging hard drives, but make sure you have the laptop case and any diskettes hand-checked. Also, make sure your name is on your laptop (business people can tape their card to the bottom of it), as that will ensure screeners don't accidentally give you another passenger's computer. Remember that checked baggage will be X-rayed and may be hand-searched. If you lock your bags, screeners will break the locks to search your belongings. Secure your bags with non-locking fasteners that security personnel can remove and replace when they've finished. Only bring what you need. That way you won't have the worry about valuable items being stolen.
- If you do set off the metal detector or the screeners want to take a closer look at you, stay calm and cooperate. Getting agitated about missing your flight won't make the screeners work faster.
Screeners will give you a pat-down. While you stand with your legs spread and your arms out to the side, a large hand-held wand will be passed over you, front and back. A member of your gender will conduct the pat-down search. You may request to be screened in a private location. Finally, you may be asked to sit in a chair while they inspect the soles of your feet with your shoes off. Again, the wand may be passed over you. Your carry-on bag may be unpacked for a visual inspection. Usually you are allowed to repack, especially if there are any medical supplies/medicine.
Many airlines no longer offer travelers an in-flight snack, so if you are bringing food on board make sure it is wrapped or in a container. Only TSA-approved liquids (medicines, baby formula, etc.) are permitted through security. Travelers can purchase liquids at one of the airport vendors once through security.
Snap!
Keep your photographs safe by packing undeveloped film in your carry-on luggage. The screening equipment will damage undeveloped film put in any checked bags. Try and pack your camera bag in your allowed carry-on bag and one personal item (a purse for example). Screeners will inspect high-speed and specialty film by hand, but ensure you request the service beforehand.
Medications
Label your medication clearly so it can be identified. Place meds in clear plastic bags to make screening easier. If you don't want your meds or medical equipment x-rayed, you need to request a visual inspection before the screening begins.
Holiday gifts
Don't wrap gifts before you get to the airport. Wrap at the end of your journey or ship the gift ahead of your flight. Wrapped packages will be unwrapped by airport screeners. Avoid the horror on your daughter's face when someone else opens her holiday gifts by shipping your packages ahead of time.
Neither wind, nor rain, nor sleet, nor hail
Bring a self-addressed stamped envelope (make sure you have plenty of postage on it) in case you are prohibited from bringing an item on the plane. You can mail it back home. Without this, you may be asked to give it up, and there is no getting it back.
