Travel Tips: How to Get Through the Airport Security Line Faster

On a recent trip I was told by a TSA agent that my Net Book was not considered a laptop and did not have to be remove from my carry-ons. News to me. So I thought this would be a good time to review TSA rules for carry-ons.

When possible, do not pack oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in checked baggage. If you do, these items must be removed from carry-on bags and submitted separately for X-ray screening. Make sure you don't stack them in the bin. Small electronics, such as smartphones, tablets/readers, Net Books and certain other mobile/portable electronic devices, can remain in carry-on baggage.

Pack Neatly. It’s important to remember, however, that our officers are trained to look for anomalies to help keep air travel safe, and if something needs a closer look, it will receive secondary screening. The key to avoiding bag searches is keeping the clutter down. The less clutter you have in your bag, the less likely it will be searched.

Prepare a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag of liquids before arriving at the airport. Follow on liquid 3-1-1 rules for carry-ons.This applies to liquids, aerosols and gels. (3-1-1 for carry-on luggage = bottle of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less (per volume); 1 quart transparent plastic bag hermetically sealed; 1 bag per passenger placed in the inspection container.)

Pack all coats and jackets in checked baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.

Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap the gift. Passengers should refrain from wrapping gifts until arriving at their final destination.

Film. Undeveloped film should go in carry-on bags. Passengers will be able to declare film that is faster than 800-speed to a transportation security officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.

When in doubt, leave it out. Unsure if an item is prohibited or not? Travelers should place such items in their checked baggage or leave the item at home. Click here to see the list of prohibited items.

Declare larger liquids. Medically required liquids, such as baby formula and food, breast milk and medications are allowed in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the Transportation Security Officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the beginning of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subjected to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.  They recommend, but do not require, that medication be labeled to facilitate the security process.

Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a valid U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.

Wear slip-on shoes. This allows travelers to remove and replace their shoes quickly without the need to sit down.

Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing flight departures. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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