Tips To Clear Airport Security Quickly

One of the realities of traveling by Air, whether it is for business or pleasure, is the fact that you will go through fairly rigorous screening procedures.  Security is looking for a number of items that are not allowed into your luggage and your carry on bags.  Traveling can be very stressful as it is, however, traveling through airport security can be done quickly and be a breeze if you follow just a few easy tips.  As you can imagine, airport security workers go through extensive training on screening passengers and the items they intend to carry on the plane.  Even though people are warned and told about items that are prohibited from taking on a plane, they still try to sneak items on.

Now, some things like a bottle of water can easily be mistaken or forgotten in a bag, but many others try intentionally to sneak these types of item through security, then when caught, argue and plead with authorities to bend or break the rules.   All this does in back up the security line and inconvenience other passengers as the TSA Agents can not break Federal Laws.

One of the other things that can slow the boarding and security process is overweight luggage.  When you are double checking that your luggage is not over weight, also make sure at that same time it does not contain any prohibited items.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has an excellent website located at TSA.Gov that contains a wealth of information and tips on what is allowed and not allowed onto the plane.  They also offer a feature that allows you to ask about a specific item to see if that item is allowed or not.  Also, remember that even if an item is permitted, it may need to be packaged in a special way.

One of the other things you can find at the TSA website is information regarding traveling with pets.

Liquid Rules,  3 – 1 – 1 – Click Here

What is Acceptable Identification At the Security Check Point ? – Click Here

Prohibited Items – Click Here

Travelers With or Traveling With passengers with disabilities or Illness – Click Here

For checked baggage, you will need to check with the airline you are flying on to find out what their rules and limitations are.  In most cases, you are allowed 1 carry on, plus personal item like a purse, briefcase, or laptop.  You will want to make sure that your personal item is of an appropriate size to fit in the overhead bin, or under the seat in front of you.

One of the things that will make the check in and security process less stressful, is to arrive at the airport in plenty of time so you are not rushed.  For domestic flights that means a minimum of 1 to 1 1/2 hours before your flight is scheduled to leave, for international travel that means at least 2 hours prior to departing.  If traveling during inclement weather, peak travel times or holidays, you may need even more time.

When choosing luggage and carry on bags, make sure to purchase those that are well constructed and durable.  Baggage handlers do not take care when handling bags and are very rough.  In addition, they will be run on conveyor belts and other automated baggage handling machines.  If you travel often, you will want a strongly constructed bag to endure the repeated abuse it is sure to go through.  Make sure any zippers or latches are securely fastened and that nothing is hanging lose that could be caught on the conveyer belt or baggage carousel.

With a little advance planning and a few minutes time, you can make the airport screening process run smoothly, quickly, and be a stress free experience.  Start your next trip off on the right foot and enjoy a relaxing, hassle free vacation or business trip.