As more travelers return to the skies, we’re seeing more reports of long lines at the airport. This week I wanted to share some information that I hope you will find helpful the next time you’re faced with a back up at the TSA check point.
It sounds like a no brainer, but it’s important to know exactly what is in your carry on as you prepare to clear the security check point with TSA. Don’t wait until it’s time to put your bag on the conveyor belt to start pulling items out that need additional screening. Prepare them in advance so they are easy to access.
If you are wearing a jacket take it off while you’re waiting in line and put it in your carry on.
Empty your pockets and take off any jewelry or a belt that would delay your screening process. If you have a special pocket in your carry on to put each of these items it’s nice to keep them all in one spot in your bag, rather than using the small screening bowl only to wonder if you collected everything afterwards. If you do not have a spot in your bag for these items, I recommend that you carry an empty ziplock bag that you can put these items in as one easy to grab item from the screening bowl.
Everyone loathes taking their shoes off for security, but unless you are 12 or under, 75 or over, or have TSA pre-check, you’ll need to remove your shoes for security screenings here in the States. Obtaining Global Entry will allow you to keep your shoes on as well as it includes TSA pre-check. If you are considering one of the two programs, Global Entry is what I would recommend.
Expect that all electronics larger than a cell phone will now need to be pulled from your bag and put in individual screening bins as laptops have been for several years.
Pull the quart sized zip lock back that contains your liquids, pastes and gels, each not exceeding 3oz and put the bag in the screening bin.
Any food or powders that you have packed in your carry on will also most likely need to be screened separately as well.
It’s not unusual for TSA personnel to require that books, magazines and large stacks of paper also be removed for screening.
You may be asking, what’s left in the carry on? There may not be much, and you’ve most likely got a train sized row of screening bins! That’s why it’s so important that you know exactly what you’ve got when you start the screening process so items aren’t left behind when you clear security.
Lastly, I also recommend that you tape a business card to any larger electronics such as laptops, tablets or other devices. Should you happen to leave one behind at security, agents can use the information on the card to have you paged or call you regarding the lost item.
What tips do you use to make the security process less stressful? For me, it’s Global Entry and it’s TSA pre-check benefits! By obtaining one of these two programs you can keep your shoes on, keep your liquids in your bag and avoid most of the stress of the TSA check points.