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, …read more

With the Thanksgiving Travel Season on the verge on launching, I thought it would be a good time to review some basic travel information.
One complaint that I hear is the people are forever having to show identification.  When you check your bags, when you check in for your flight, when you’re queuing up in the security line, and then again after you pass through security. 
Here’s what the TSA has to say about why all those ID checks are necessary:
 

Getting through the airport security line MAY just have gotten a little easier with the new TSA policy that will allow travelers to leave their laptops inside “checkpoint friendly” bags.  The new rule will take effect on August 16th.
Using a “checkpoint friendly” bag means having one that contains ONLY your laptop (no cords, plug ins, or extraneous attachments), and that can unfold to lie flat on the x-ray belt.  No metal snaps, zippers, buckles, or pockets. 
With this type of bag, you would place the bag directly onto the belt, rather than putting it into a separate screening bin.   …read more

I was sitting at the airport earlier this week, and a very nice gentleman seated next to me asked this question:
 
Q.  Do Flight Attendants have to go through this whole security rigmarole than I just did?
A.  It depends. 
When we are on duty and in uniform, we are not subject to the restriction about liquids.  (No don’t ask me to carry anything onboard for you!)  That’s why you may see Flight Attendants carrying through a cup of coffee or a bottle of water.  When we are on duty, we also can cut to the head of the security line to …read more

The LIQUIDS & GELS restrictions has been in effect for awhile now, but there’s rarely a day that goes by that I don’t observe confusion about it at a security screening checkpoint.
With the busy summer travel season nearly upon us, it’s a good time to talk about liquids once again.  The TSA has tried to make it easy for us with a campaign of 3-1-1.  No more than 3 ounces of any size, in a 1 quart sealable bag, with a limit of 1 per person.
The other day I saw an argument at security over what was and wasn’t …read more

Today’s Flight Attendant Friday question is one that I am frequently asked.  It’s usually muttered under someone’s breath, and often in a rather harsh tone.  See if you can relate.
 
Q.  Why do Flight Attendants get to cut in front of the security line?  I’ve been waiting a long time, and it just isn’t fair.
A.  Signs should be posted at every security area that state:  “Please allow uniformed flight crew to proceed to the front of the line.”  You may not have seen the signs.  They are there, it’s just that they are very small, and posted in a place …read more

It’s a good idea, but will it have any impact?
That was my first response, albeit a jaded one, when I heard that the TSA had launched a blog of their own and was interested in hearing comments from the traveling public. 
Evolution of Security was rather quietly launched on January 31st, 2008, with five bloggers known only by their first names (Bob, Ethel, Jay, Chance and Jim).  At these five attempt to “facilitate an ongoing dialogue on innovations ins security, technology and the checkpoint screen process,” readers finally feel they have a pipeline to one of the most frustrating …read more