Every year as we approach summer, I see news articles, social media postings, and even talk radio exasperating about how bad the busy travel season will be. The focus is generally on the traveler experience. True, already busy and cramped airports will become even more busy and cramped during the high travel season. This makes the travel experience more stressful and most certainly less fun.
The security checkpoint is usually one of the most congested places in an airport. Thousands of passengers are trying to get from landside to airside as quickly and easily as possible. The passengers are generally a mix of seasoned travelers and seasonal travelers. The latter is usually excited to be getting underway while the prior is just trying to get through the system.
Security screeners play a huge role in helping both groups get through screening as safely and efficiently as possible. Who better to ask about little things passengers can do to make the screening process and the job of a security screener a little easier this summer season. So that’s what we did.
Below is a short list of the dos and don’ts for passengers that we thought were the most interesting (and entertaining).
DON’T
Arrive to the security checkpoint 10 minutes before the gate closes.- Wear jewelry that takes more than five seconds to remove or where removal requires the help of a third party.
- Put your duty free 1.5L bottle of Rum or any other oversized liquids in your carry-on luggage.
- Wear multiple layers of clothing that are difficult to remove quickly and easily.
- Pack all your belongings in your carry-on to avoid baggage fees.
- Put all the loose change you found at your house in your pants pocket.
- Joke about bombs, explosives, or illegal drugs to security screeners or other passengers.
Arrive to the security checkpoint 10 minutes before the gate closes.
DO
Smile, relax, and make the most of your time in line by reading a book, answering emails, catching up on news, etc.- Listen to instructions and be prepared as you enter the security checkpoint.
- Have your ticket and identification ready for inspection.
- Remove shoes, jackets, and accessories before getting to the front of the line and have these items ready to be placed into the divesture tray.
- Be patient with other travelers and the security officers.
- Leave prohibited articles out of your carry-on luggage and when in doubt, just leave it at home.
- Retrieve all of your belongings from the X-ray machine belt and step aside if you need to put any items back on such as your shoes, belt, or jacket.
Smile, relax, and make the most of your time in line by reading a book, answering emails, catching up on news, etc.
If you are unsure of whether an item is allowed or prohibited, check out the TSA’s Can I Bring app before arriving at the airport.
What other things can travelers do to make the screening process easier for everybody? What don'ts have you seen firsthand? Share your comments below.
