It's a certainty that no U.S. air traveler wakes up on the day he's flying and loudly proclaims, "I just can't wait to go through airport security!" In many cases, though, the fear of going through a Transportation Security Agency checkpoint is far out of proportion to reality. Plus, you can significantly improve your chances of racing through one of the agency's checkpoints with little scrutiny by taking several simple steps.
If you really want to eliminate security scrutiny before your flight, then you need to sign up for TSA's Precheck program. The agency's "preapproved traveler" status is good for five years, costs only $85 and saves travelers both time and stress. According to travel experts, enrolling in Precheck is also the single best step you can take to get through the agency's checkpoints quickly. Nothing else comes close.
Do you travel with a rollaboard or carryon bag? Then make sure it's been well-organized and free of clutter. Only travel with the necessities in that carryon, too. Things like a change of clothes and your must-have medicines and the like. Put everything else in your checked luggage. And if all you have is a rollaboard bag, then arrange its contents neatly (especially any electronic devices) so it's all visible to the x-ray operator.
Prepare yourself before you hit TSA screening by "divesting along the way." To "divest" is to remove any items on your person that might trigger extra examination, such as metal belt buckles or shoes with steel shanks in their soles. Leave an additional exterior pocket on your carry-on bag to place all the metal objects you might be carrying. The security officer manning the scanners will be able to pick them out quickly.
Using common sense with TSA can help you significantly. Security checkpoints contain metal detectors and they're sensitive enough to pick out even small metal objects in shoes. You should travel wearing comfortable footwear such as loafers for men or "flats" for women. Look at your clothing for excessive zippers, buckles and such. Also, avoid wearing excessive jewelry that will "alarm" or trip metal detectors. Basically, don't dress for the club, dress for travel.
Another way of speeding your way through TSA security is to remove everything in the reverse order you'll put it all back on. Also, try to place your briefcase or backpack on your carry-on's handle so that it can all be seen by the x-ray operator in one swoop. Do other travelers going through the line a favor, as well, and "pay it forward" by re-stacking any tubs and trays you used. If TSA officers, whose primary job is to address security issues presented by travelers, constantly must take time to re-stack trays, the security line will slow down quite a bit.
Always follow the TSA's "3-1-1" rule. More time is wasted at a checkpoint because travelers bring shampoo, aerosols and other potions in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces. Some travelers also don't place all those bottles into a single 1-quart-sized bag, which is all they're allowed. Eliminating any oversize liquids and aerosols from your carry-on bag while you're in a security line takes time and backs that line up. Plus, you may see additional TSA scrutiny as a result.
Lastly, remember that uniformed Transportation Security Agency officers rank among the lowest-paid employees in the government. Those officers frequently interact with 1,000 travelers a shift, and they're honestly the unsung heroes of air security. Generally, better treatment of TSA's frontline employees by air travelers also often results in better treatment back from them.
If you really want to eliminate security scrutiny before your flight, then you need to sign up for TSA's Precheck program. The agency's "preapproved traveler" status is good for five years, costs only $85 and saves travelers both time and stress. According to travel experts, enrolling in Precheck is also the single best step you can take to get through the agency's checkpoints quickly. Nothing else comes close.
Do you travel with a rollaboard or carryon bag? Then make sure it's been well-organized and free of clutter. Only travel with the necessities in that carryon, too. Things like a change of clothes and your must-have medicines and the like. Put everything else in your checked luggage. And if all you have is a rollaboard bag, then arrange its contents neatly (especially any electronic devices) so it's all visible to the x-ray operator.
Prepare yourself before you hit TSA screening by "divesting along the way." To "divest" is to remove any items on your person that might trigger extra examination, such as metal belt buckles or shoes with steel shanks in their soles. Leave an additional exterior pocket on your carry-on bag to place all the metal objects you might be carrying. The security officer manning the scanners will be able to pick them out quickly.
Using common sense with TSA can help you significantly. Security checkpoints contain metal detectors and they're sensitive enough to pick out even small metal objects in shoes. You should travel wearing comfortable footwear such as loafers for men or "flats" for women. Look at your clothing for excessive zippers, buckles and such. Also, avoid wearing excessive jewelry that will "alarm" or trip metal detectors. Basically, don't dress for the club, dress for travel.
Another way of speeding your way through TSA security is to remove everything in the reverse order you'll put it all back on. Also, try to place your briefcase or backpack on your carry-on's handle so that it can all be seen by the x-ray operator in one swoop. Do other travelers going through the line a favor, as well, and "pay it forward" by re-stacking any tubs and trays you used. If TSA officers, whose primary job is to address security issues presented by travelers, constantly must take time to re-stack trays, the security line will slow down quite a bit.
Always follow the TSA's "3-1-1" rule. More time is wasted at a checkpoint because travelers bring shampoo, aerosols and other potions in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces. Some travelers also don't place all those bottles into a single 1-quart-sized bag, which is all they're allowed. Eliminating any oversize liquids and aerosols from your carry-on bag while you're in a security line takes time and backs that line up. Plus, you may see additional TSA scrutiny as a result.
Lastly, remember that uniformed Transportation Security Agency officers rank among the lowest-paid employees in the government. Those officers frequently interact with 1,000 travelers a shift, and they're honestly the unsung heroes of air security. Generally, better treatment of TSA's frontline employees by air travelers also often results in better treatment back from them.
About the Author:
Want to know how TSA security helps keep your travel experience safe? Make sure you frequently check out Kelly Hoggan's explanations on the government's premier aviation security agency and airport security in general.