How to Survive the Security Checkpoint at the Airport
Security guards are there to protect you and other passengers, and everyone will appreciate anything you can do to make their jobs easier. Here are some tips to get you through the security checkpoint at the airport and to your plane on time.
By Larry Westfall
Here are some tips to get you through the security checkpoint at the airport. Follow the advice, and you will get to your plane on time.
Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. A boarding pass and valid government photo ID are required to enter the security checkpoint. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security. For international flights, you should arrive approximately three hours before your flight.
Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, he or she may un-wrap your gift. Please wait to wrap gifts until you are at your destination.
Pets. Remove all animals from their carrying cases and send the cases through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
Children. Take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and carry or escort them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector.
Dress the part. Metal in your clothing may set off the screening machines. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Remember that all shoes must be removed and placed in bins. Passengers also need to remove winter coats, blazers, suit coats, and bulky sweaters.
Film. Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag. Declare film that is faster than 800 speed to a security officer for physical inspection to avoid being x-rayed.
When in doubt, leave it out. Bringing prohibited items to the airport will delay the screening process for you and other passengers. If you are not sure which items are allowed, check The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website for a complete list of permitted and prohibited items.
Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes, and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing your flight. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.
Make sure you stop by the TSA website to get the most current information. The list of prohibited and permitted items changes periodically, and what may have been legal yesterday may be forbidden today. In addition, check to see what is allowed in your carry-on and what is permitted in your checked baggage. Some items are allowed in one but not the other.
The security guards are there to protect you and the other passengers, and anything you can do to make their job easier and to speed up the process will be appreciated by everyone.
About the Author:
Larry Westfall has been traveling to Thailand for over 34 years, and when he stays in Pattaya, he books his hotel through Pattaya-Resort. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com)
More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com
|
 Print
|
Article added 01/19/08.
Advertisement
Viewing How to Survive the Security Checkpoint at the Airport