Let’s Pack For This!
You’ve heard the saying “Happy WIFE, Happy LIFE” yes? When traveling, although it doesn’t have the same ring to it, it’s “Happy TSA, Happy Travels”! Here are the 5 mistakes to avoid at airport security to ensure “Happier Travels”!
1. ELECTRONICS
While most destinations in the USA and Canada only ask that you remove your laptop/tablet from your bag, there are other things they may want out too. C-Pap and B-Pap machines (breathing machines for people suffering sleep apnea) also must come out. Some airports have started implementing the rule of thumb that any electronics larger than a cell phone must be removed and placed in a separate bin with nothing on top or below them. This allows for better screening. You may be required to take out your hard drives, camera, external battery packs, MP3 players/iPods, and other devices. To expedite your process at TSA, keep your electronics easily accessible and organized so you can quickly take them out if required.
2. DON’T WEAR COMPLICATED SHOES!
We all know that we need to remove our shoes (at least in the USA) when going through security. You will have to remove your shoes at security unless you are over the age of 75. Several thousand humans walk through security every day so you may want to have a pair of socks handy to protect your feet from germs. Try to wear slip-on shoes, or at the very least NOT boots with a lot of buckles and laces. Things tend to move quickly once you approach the disrobing section, even IF you feel like the line was moving at a snail’s pace while waiting.
3. LAYER YOUR CARRY-ON BAG
To facilitate an easier screening process of your bag, TSA requests that you LAYER your items in your carry-on bag. Pack items in layers such as 1- shoes, 2- clothes, 3- toiletries, 4 electronics. Keep toiletries and electronics at the top for easy access to remove quickly as you load the security bins. See our other articles for more great tips. Packing Tips Carry-on Essentials
4. 3-1-1 RULE
Liquid gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 rule. 3-1-1 liquids rule:
- 3.4 ounces or less per container
- 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
- 1 bag per passenger
5. FINAL APPROACH
You’ll be cleared for landing if you follow these last final steps as you approach security.
- -Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
- – Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
- -Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
- -Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone(or whatever the rules are at that particular screening station)and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.)
- -Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.
Let’s Unpack This!
TSA screens 4.9 million carry-on bags daily… this is meticulous and grueling work. That might lend reason to their moods we have all noticed on occasion. Try to be patient and try to understand the importance of what they are doing. They are not trying to be jerks… they are following protocol. TSA adjusts processes and procedures to meet the evolving threat and to achieve the highest levels of transportation security. Because of this, you may notice changes in their procedures from time to time. Help them out and be ahead of the game knowing the 5 biggest mistakes to avoid at airport security!
