Top 10 Airport Security Tips to Know Before You Go
In
an era of heightened security awareness, it is more important
than ever to be a savvy and prepared traveler who can efficiently
navigate airport security checkpoints - and get on with
your trip. In this spirit of travel preparedness, Travelers
Advantage® has developed a travelers' checklist — 10
convenient tips to help you smoothly move through airport
security.
"We're
trying to help people ease their way through airport security
by helping them understand what they can do to speed the
process," said Travelers Advantage Vice President Julia
Ryan. "We're partnering with the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security
in another step toward keeping air travel safe In future
updates of www.travelersadvantage.com,
we will be adding links to TSA Web pages. We'll also include
TSA information in upcoming printed publications and electronic
communications with our members."
Under
the collaborative partnership with TSA and the Department
of Homeland Security, Travelers Advantage will help educate
the traveling public by communicating changes and developments
in security procedures and protocols before the arrive
at airports, and will seek to affect changes in traveler
behaviors that will get them through security faster and
more efficiently.
"Airport
security personnel pull people aside for further screening
on a random basis," she added. "If this happens
to you, don't panic or become upset - taking you aside
is just a sign that the system of random detailed screening
is working. We're all aiming for the same goal of keeping
air travel safe." The 10 Travelers Advantage tips
for smooth sailing through airport security are:
1.
Pack your laptop so you can easily remove it and send
it through the X-ray machine in its own plastic tray.
Don't forget to label your laptop computer. These are
one of the most frequently forgotten items at screening
checkpoints
2.
For those of you who still use camera film, store all undeveloped film and cameras containing film
in your carry-on baggage. Ask for a hand inspection if
you want to ensure that your film is not damaged by the
X-ray machine.
3.
Avoid over-packing to prevent personal articles from spilling
out of your bag if it is opened for inspection. Think
carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on
baggage as screeners may have to examine its contents.
Consider stowing personal belongings in clear plastic
bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have
to handle them.
4. If you are bringing a gift, wrap
it after you arrive at your destination. Otherwise, you
might have to unwrap it to get through security — even
if it is in checked luggage.
5. Don't bring items such as pocket knives, scissors
or other sharp objects in your carry-on. Pack them in your
checked luggage.
6. Avoid carrying bottles of liquid through the screening
checkpoint. Purchase any food items
to carry onboard the aircraft after you have completed
the screening process.
7. As you head toward the security area, take a deep breath
and remain calm. Check and be sure you have your boarding
pass and a government-issued photo identification card
ready for security personnel. Take your time unpacking
and repacking your belongings - too many people rush through
this process only to find they have left their laptop,
keys, or wallet behind.
8. Place metal items in your carry-on bag. This includes,
loose change, keys, watches, mobile phones, pagers, and
PDAs.
9. Take off your coat (outer coat and sports coat) as you
approach the security screening area - you will need to
place them in a plastic tray for safe passage through
the X-ray equipment. Suit jackets and blazers do not have
to be removed, unless requested by the screener.
10. Be prepared to remove your shoes.
Many shoes contain small pieces of metal. If you wear
a belt with a large metal buckle, suspenders with metal
clasps, or metal jewelry, be aware that they could trigger
the alarm and prompt a check by hand. |
