Basic of Air Travel: Getting through Airport Security
Below is a video about TSA PreCheck, the TSA’s program to help travelers get through the security process quickly and efficiently. They are showing the video at the airports and in security lines. (Isn’t that a little late to be suggesting to people the best way pack?)
If you haven’t gone through the preparation process, I’d recommend reading about that first, and then come back here for my suggestions on how to make the process work with you, rather than against you.
The line to get through security is probably going to be pretty long. Some people use that time to chat on their cell phones or with their traveling companion(s). A better idea, however, is to get your picture ID out of your pocket or purse and have your boarding documents handy. DO NOT wait until you get to the front of the line to do this! Having it out and ready can save about 30-seconds of time. Look at everyone in the line ahead of you and calculate the time saved if everyone did this. Also, get off the cell phone before you get to the ID checkpoint.
After passing through the ID checkpoint, you now need to get ready to place your carried on items on the conveyor belt. Yes, there may still be a line ahead of you, but you still need to start getting ready right away.
Here are some things that you should start doing:
- Remove your shoes, and your coat, jacket, sweater, etc. and place them in a bin
- Remove metal items from your pockets and place them in the bin with your shoes and jacket
- Remove your bag of liquids and gels and place in a bin (this can go in the same one as your shoes and coat if there’s room)
- Remove large electronic items, such as a laptop, from your carry on and place them in a separate bin
The more of this you can do in advance of actually arriving at the conveyor belt, the more time will be saved when you are in the line. I realize that you can’t remove everything and hold it while you stand in the queue for 10 minutes. But do what you can, and be prepared for the rest. DO NOT wait until you get to the front of the line to get everything ready! Even things like opening zippers and having items handy can save precious minutes.
As you work your way to the front of the line, place everything in a bin (small items, electronics, etc.) or directly on the conveyor belt (luggage, purses, etc.). Everything you are carrying has to go through the security scanner. OK, not the baby, but everything else!
Reminders
At this point in the process, your cell phone should be in a bin, or getting ready to be put into a bin. Ditto for a headset. Under NO circumstances should you still be talking on it. If there is an emergency situation, step out of the line and let others pass while you deal with it. Chances are, though, that it can wait a few more minutes until you are on the other side.
If you find that you are having a tough time getting all your things organized and into bins, let the person behind you (who has there stuff ready to go) proceed ahead of you. This buys you a few extra moments of time and earns you the gratitude of people behind you who are ready.
Once your bags are on the conveyor belt, step aside and stand in line to walk through the metal detector. This allows people behind you to do the same and facilitates a relatively orderly process for walking through.
Continue reading. . . you’re not through yet!
If you’ve followed all the suggestions so far, walking through the door frame of the metal detector should be a piece of cake. If the alarm goes off, stop, and go back to the other side of the door frame. Security will probably ask you to check your pockets, belt, etc. Step away from the door frame and do this. If you’ve forgotten something, place it in a bin and send it through while everyone behind you rolls their eyes at your incompetence. Stepping away from the door frame while double-checking everything allows others behind you to pass through.
Occasionally, however, despite all our best efforts, the beep-beep-beep of the darn thing still goes off. If this happens, you will be subjected to a pat-down by a TSA officer of the same sex, and a wanding with a handheld metal detector. Your bags may also be subject to inspection. Follow the instructions of the TSA, and try to keep a positive attitude.
Once you successfully get through the metal detector, slide your bags down to the end of the conveyor belt, and pick up your items, put on your shoes, and lift down your bags. By moving your items to the end, you allow items behind you to continue on through as well. As you are putting on your shoes and coast, and putting things back into your pocket, step to one side, leaving room for others to pass by. Do NOT block the area and clog up the progress. Take the time that you need, but politely step aside to make room for others.
As you pick up your things, it will also help speed things up if you stack up your empty bins. All those bins start bunching up, meaning nothing behind them is going to get through. While this may not speed up your time, it will help others. You can think of it as a version of observing the golden rule, or just good travel karma.
Whew! You’re finally through security and ready to find your plane and get to your gate.
One final note
Crew members and airport employees are directed to the front of the line to process through, in essence, a sanctioned “cutting in line.” At one time airports had dedicated security lines for crew members and airport workers. Because these lines were frequently underused during much of the day, most airports have adopted a policy that all lines will be open to everyone and instituted a policy to move employees to the front of the line, as necessary. Becoming aggressive about it is practically guaranteeing that your bags are going to be searched. If you’re that hostile and aggressive to a crew member on the ground, it raises a question about what your behavior will be like in the air. Ask yourself if it’s really worth the aggravation.
Continue reading our Basics of Air Travel series by following the posts about newbie plane travel below.
- Checking in From Home
- Get to the Airport on Time
- Checking & Carrying on Luggage
- Getting Through Security – Planning
- Airport Security – Rules & Etiquette
- Getting to Your Departure Gate
- Boarding the Plane & Stowing Your Bags
- Turning Off Your Electronic Devices
- Safety Demonstration
- Beverage Service
- Airplane Etiquette
- Descent
- Landing & Deplaning
- Leaving the Airport