How to Survive Airport Security

Airline travel is an inconvenience for most people. Long lines at the security checkpoints delay passengers and lead to short tempers. Keep a few easy steps in mind when you pass through airport security to lower your level of frustration.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Present your initial screener with your printed boarding pass or ticket and a photo identification. Answer any questions honestly and proceed to the scanners when told.

2. Keep all jokes to yourself. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials can't have a sense of humor about anything that pertains to the security of the airport or any aircraft. Avoid references to terrorism or weapons of any kind.

3. Remember the 3-1-1 rule about liquids in your carry-on bags. Liquids must be in 3-oz. bottles or smaller; all bottles must be in a 1 qt. clear, plastic zip-top bag and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag. You must take it out of your carry-on baggage before it's screened.

4. Take your laptop computer out of its case because all computers are screened separately. Place yours by itself in a plastic bin supplied at the checkpoint.

5. Remove your shoes, jacket and any metal on your person. These items go with cell phones, keys and bulky jewelry into another plastic tub. If your belt has a large buckle, remove it to spare yourself a secondary screening.

6. Place all your bags and bins on the conveyor belt of the luggage scanner. No bags belong in a bin because they go directly on the belt. Be sure all your items move along the belt before you enter the walk-through scanner. Keep your arms down and avoid touching the sides on your way through.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain a good attitude with your screeners. If you need secondary screening, accept it as a part of the travel experience.
• Get to the airport early. Arrive no less than 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.

Resources

• For more information on airport security, contact the TSA.