Posts Tagged ‘airport security’

Planning for a trip can sometimes be stressful regardless of the amount of time you have in preparation for the trip.  There are just so many things to consider and so many things to plan for.  On top of that, you are always wondering what to bring and what to leave behind.  And the airport security restrictions do not help ease the stress.

Here are some tips to help you have a smooth and worry-free trip:

Packing Your Things

Packing your things is probably the most important part of your trip.  This is because you do not want to leave something behind that you might desperately need during your trip.

When flying, it is important to remember that when you get to the airport, you will have to follow certain procedures that the airlines implement.

1.  No liquids on board.

One of the rules that is strictly implemented is the no-liquids rule.  In fact, flight security will not even let you take liquids past the security checkpoint.  This includes:

• beverages
• toothpaste
• liquid deodorant
• lotion
• lip gloss
• aerosols

If you are used to packing these items in your carry-on bag, it is time that you consider transferring these items into your checked-in luggage.  After all, you do not want the security officers to confiscate these items from you.

If you really must bring a liquid item with you on the flight, what you can do is to pack a small 3-ounce sized item into a clear zipper-top bag and pack the larger bottles of liquids into your checked in luggage.

2.  Wear shoes that are easy to remove.

Another thing to remember is that you will be required to take off your shoes at the security checkpoint.  In this regard, it is advisable that you choose a pair of shoes that will be easy to remove and equally easy to wear.  Slip ons and sneakers are good options.

Wearing shoes which are difficult to remove will slow the flow of traffic moving through the check point and may cause the security officers and fellow travelers to feel impatient and/or irritated.  If you really must change your shoes after the checkpoint, pack the pair you intend to wear in your carry-on bag; it will make the process much easier.

Arriving at the Airport

In general, it is best to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time.  Keep in mind that the boarding process starts between 30 to 40 minutes prior to departure.   This means, that you only have a little over an hour to go through the whole airline process from checking in to passing through the security measures.

You may be required to print your ticket at the check-in station depending upon how you reserved your ticket.  Always keep the following information and documents handy:

• ticket record locator (normally a 13-digit number)
• confirmation number
• driver’s license (or other state-issued ID)

After printing your ticket, you will now check your bag(s) at the counter.  Once they have taken your luggage, you are now ready to go through the security checkpoint.

The Security Checkpoint

Make sure that you have your ID and boarding pass ready before you proceed at the security checkpoint.  This is the first thing you will need when you arrive at the checkpoint.

Once you get past this, you will need to remove your shoes, your zip-lock bag with liquids, any electronic device and metal objects including your belt, etc.  Place this on the belt that moves through an x-ray machine together with all your carry-on bags.  You then be required to walk through a metal detector.

Once you successfully pass through the security checkpoint and gather your items, the only thing left to do is to board the plane.

Happy traveling!