Back to Basics: The Low Stress Way to Get Through Airport Security

After all the preparation that you’ve gone through, from packing efficiently at home, making sure that you have the important things in your carry on, getting to the airport, and checking your bags, you still have the daunting task of getting through the security screening process.

After you check your bags, take a deep breath, queue up, and get ready to wait.  The lines are likely to be long this time of year, but there are things you can do to put that time to good use.  Sure you can chat on your phone or with your traveling companions, but do that after you have everything everything else prepared and ready to go.

Here are my recommendations for breezing through the security process:

• Have your photo ID out of your pocket or purse, and have it tucked together with your boarding pass.  Keep this handy, because you’ll have to present both to the TSA official when you get to the front of the line, and then again when you go through the metal detector.  I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ll keep mentioning as long as I see people stalling the process by waiting till they’re asked for ID.
• Once you’re at the front of the security line, get off your cell phone.  You need to pay attention to where you’re sent, get your things into bins and bags on the conveyor belt.  In other words, you’re going to need both hands free.
• Once you get in the line to go through the metal detector, start getting ready.  Remove your shoes and jacket, and place them in a bin – again BEFORE you get to the front of the line.  Cell phones and iPods, too.  Ditto for the change in your pockets or any other metal your might have – though why you haven’t packed this away is beyond me!  All this goes is a bin.
• Remove your 3-1-1 liquids and gel bag and put it into a bag as well.  This can go with your jacket and shoes.  If you haven’t removed them, your bags will be inspected and items removed.  If your liquids are too large they will be confiscated or you will be directed to check your bags.  Don’t waste your time, and everyone else’s, by not following the regulations.  (I see this happen EVERY SINGLE DAY and can’t figure out why people won’t comply.)
• Remove your laptop and other large electronic items from your bag and put them into a SEPARATE bin. 

Much of this can be done before you are at the front of the line, but realizing you can’t remove everything, just be ready when it’s your turn.  Know where everything is so you don’t have to fumble around causing delays for everyone behind you.

If there are crew members or airport employees, they will be in a special line and likely directed to the front of the line in a sanctioned “cutting in line.”  Some airports have dedicated lines for employees, but most now just put everyone through the same lines, sending employees to the front.  If you have employees “cut” in front of you, don’t become hostile or aggressive.  TSA is on alert for any aggressive behavior, and when it’s directed to a crew member it’s likely to cause even more concern.  We’ll be fast and get through as quickly as we can so you can have your turn.

• Once you get a little closer to the front of the line for the conveyor belt, place your luggage, carry on, purse, packages, etc. directly onto the belt.  These do not need to be in a bin.  Do not carry anything to the x-ray scan, except your boarding pass and ID.
• If, despite all your planning and efforts, you are having problems getting everything together and on the security belt, motion to the person behind you to go ahead.  It’s just good manners to keep the line moving.
• After all your bags and stuff is on the conveyor belt, step aside and stand inline to walk through the metal detector.  Line up and walk through AFTER you have been motioned to do so.

But what if the metal detector goes off?  Now what?  Keep reading to find more tips on getting through security.

Hopefully, by following all previous suggestion, you’ll walk through the door frame and keep on walking.  But if the alarm goes off, stop and return to the front side of the door frame. 

• TSA officials will have you check your pockets to see if you’ve forgotten anything.  Step aside from the line to do this, letting people behind you pass through.
• If you’ve forgotten something in your pocket, place it in a bin and send it on through on the conveyor.  People will be irritated with you.  They’ll wonder why you thought you could get through with the bag of quarters from the slot machine jackpot you won.  Deal with it in a way that allows other people to get through and you’ll save a little face.

Sometimes, though, you really have done everything right and the metal detector still goes off.  Don’t get angry, just be prepared for a hand wand screen and a pat down by the TSA.  Try to keep a positive attitude about this.  It sucks.  I know.  Certain pieces of my uniform do this too, so I know how it feels.  You can’t change it at that point in your travels, so just change your attitude about it and you’ll have a more pleasant experience.

It’s still not over yet, and there’s much you have left to do.

• Once through the metal detector, slide your bags down to the end of the conveyor belt.  You can put your shoes on there – out of the way of other people trying to come through behind you – as well as lift up your bags and get everything back together.  Keep aware of your environment, and don’t block people behind you.  If you need extra time, that’s not a problem, just stand to one side so others can pass.
• As you pick up your things, stack up the empty bins.  If you don’t they’ll just start bunching up and nothing else will get through.  This part of the process is about paying it forward since it helps the people behind you.  Do it!

That’s it – you’re finally through and ready to head to your departure gate!  Safe travels!

Photo credit:  wikimedia, conveyor belt; metal detector

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