Most people can agree that modern-day air travel is nothing like it used to be. Gone are the days when you could pack a bottle of your favorite drink in your carry-on. People also agree that the most frustrating part of traveling is the airport security line. It can take forever to get through, and as a result, you have to arrive hours before your departure time to make sure you won’t miss your flight. After 9/11 the TSA tightened the rules of traveling to make it safer for passengers, but it also made it more inconvenient. Here are a few suggestions of things you can do to minimize your time in line and slip safely through the chaos that is the TSA security line.
Know What You Can and Can’t Bring
Some TSA lines have a clear plastic box displaying all the personal effects that have been confiscated because they are not allowed on the plane in your carry-on bag. Anything from nail clippers to wine-openers to cigarette lighters. To avoid losing something personal and holding up the line, check the rules for dangerous goods packaging online and see what you can bring on the plane, what is allowed in your checked bag, and what is better left at home.
Arrange Your Electronics for Easy Access
It is required that you put your phone and other personal effects in a separate bin when going through the x-ray checkpoint, and you have to separate your laptop as well. Do yourself a favor and make it easy to get to. Making your electronics easy to access is a veteran move and will rush you through that line. You can pack them more securely after you have made it through.
Dress for the Occasion
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take off. You’ll have to send your shoes and belt and jackets through the x-ray machine, so make sure to wear things that can be quickly removed and put back on. Your fellow passengers in line will appreciate it!