Back to Basics: 8 At-Home Tips to Make Getting Through Airport Security Easy

As we rapidly approach the busiest travel time of the year, I’ll be having some extra Back to Basics posts.  I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them every Wednesday, and that these Back to Basics Extra posts leading up to the holiday travel season that will make your travels a little easier.

Today, I tackle the the planning and packing that will help you comply with the liquid and gel restriction, and make getting through airport security a breeze.

Let’s be honest, the big headache at the airport is getting through security.  It’s time consuming, the rules seem to be continually changing, and there are different procedures in nearly every airport you transit.  Is it any wonder that the security process is one of the most stressful parts of travel?!

The best way to get through airport security is to plan ahead and be prepared.  Preparation and planning starts at home, from the things you pack to what you wear, so before you ever walk out the door read and remember these tips:

1. Don’t wear metal – wear something that will get through security easily.  Leave the big brass belt buckle in a bag, because trust me, it is not going to make it through the security.  The same goes for heavy metal jewelry, hair decorations, chains on your belt loops, etc.  I’m not saying that you can’t wear these items, but I am saying don’t try to get through security wear them.  Pack them away and put them on AFTER you’ve cleared the metal detector.  Remember, if you have to stop and take off all this in the security line, it’s going to take longer for you to get through, and it will hold up everyone behind you.  Don’t be that person!
2. Wear a coat that’s  easy to slip off.  Same goes for your jacket, sweater, or other outerwear.  If you’re going to keep it on while you’re waiting in line, you want something easy to remove as you get to the front of the line.  Again, remove it in advance – BEFORE you get to the security belt.  If you’re going to carry your jacket and put it on AFTER you get through security, it probably doesn’t matter.  Think about which option applies to you.
3. Wear shoes that are easy to remove.  You are going to have to remove them to go through security and then put them back on on the other side.  (More about the etiquette of this in a future post.)  Taking off and putting on boots and other complicated shoes, no matter how attractive, is a time waster.  I wear simple slip on shoes that are on and off in a flash.
4. Remember the 3-1-1 rule.  3 ounces maximum sized containers in 1 clear plastic zip bag, for each person.  That is all the liquids and gels that you are permitted in your carry on luggage.  If you have more than that, or larger sizes, place them in your checked luggage.  There are some limited exemptions from this rule (e.g., for medications, breast milk), so if you have special needs you can check the TSA website for specifics.
5. Think about what’s a liquid or gel.  It’s not just bottles of water and shaving cream.  It’s also hairspray, toothpaste, deodorant, mascara, lipstick, cheese spread, and more.  Take a closer look at this liquid and gel list for more examples.
6. Put all your liquids in a clear bag.  There are lots of attractive containers and packing for gel and liquid items, many approved for use by the TSA.  I’ve used them, but on occasion have been confronted by an overly zealous TSA official who has dumped everything out of my clear travel bag into a Ziploc bag.  Using a particular brand of clear bag is not a legitimate function of the TSA.  However, if you want to get through and on your way you should just comply for the moment, and then write a letter of complaint later.  Comply now, complain later is a good rule of thumb. 
7. Place your liquids bag where it is easy to get to it.  Since you’ll have to remove you bag of liquids to go through security, make sure you’ve packed it where you can get to it easily.  Don’t waste time unpacking your entire bag just to get to the liquids.  Pack it last and on top, making it quicker for you to get to.
8. Pack your laptop where it’s easy to remove.  It’s not just liquids and gels that have to be removed.  You will have to remove your laptop and place it in a big to go through the security screen.  Have it handy, so that you can remove it without unpacking your entire bag.

Now that you’re dressed simply, and have your items packed so that they are easily accessible, your ready to head off the airport and tackle that security line!

Image credit:  SXC

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