Nowadays, there are security lines at almost all airports in the world. To get through these lines in the same way as the experienced traveller, you will need to know a few travel tips to make it easier. Thinking well ahead of your travel day will help you to avoid the last minute inconvenience security lines may cause once at the airport.
You will need to empty your pockets of loose change. Your wallets and cell phones will need to be put into one of those little bins they provide. You should remember take off heavy watches, bracelets, and belt buckles as these can set the alarms. Take those off at the head of the line can waste time so by stowing them in your carry-on bag before you get to the front of the line will help.
Other items such as books and snacks will need to be consolidated in your travel bag so as to avoid having to many things to gather back together once you’ve been screened.
At US and UK airports, you may have to take off your shoes. Wearing slip-on shoes will help save time. Not having to undo and do your shoes laces up will give you more time to relax in the seating and shopping areas before being called for embarkation. If you do have laces or zippers in fact, have them untied or unzipped before you get to the front of the line.
The new rules now in force, dictate that all liquids should be no more than 3 ounces or 100 ml. Your one quart/one litre plastic bag should be at the ready. Put these liquids in the bag and then into the bin provided to enable visibility to the security workers. Remember there shouldn’t be any loose liquids in your travel bags. If you have “medically necessary” liquids or baby food, these can usually be outside of your plastic bag allowance, but you must notify a screening officer first.
The sequence of doing what is required will also save time. First put your shoes, coat and smaller bag in the bin. They will come through the x-ray first, and you can be putting them back on while you’re waiting for your other items to be screened.
If you’re carrying a computer, put your carry-on bag for your laptop in the bin ahead of your computer, then when your computer comes through, you’ll have the laptop bag ready to slip in the computer.
If you think it will take you a long time to put your shoes back on, collect all of your belongings first and then move to the side so the line so it doesn’t get jammed up. There are usually a few chairs against a wall nearby whereby you can sit down and do this.
Airports report that almost half of all security checkpoint bottlenecks are caused by people putting themselves together after screening without moving to the side… don’t let this be you!
Using some of these tips now will save you time and definitely make you into an expert traveller.
