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Air travel can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure what to pack or what to expect at an airport checkpoint.
You can reduce the anxiety of traveling by getting familiar with the airport screening process before your trip. The following tips will help you move faster through airport security lines.
Know What To Pack
Knowing what to pack and how to pack is essential for worry-free traveling. Proper packing helps security officers screen luggage quickly, which keeps security lines moving for you and other travelers.
Before packing, make sure you are familiar with the prohibited items for travelers. These are items that you cannot bring on board a plane or packed in checked baggage. Some of these items include fireworks, flammable paints and lighter fluid.
Some items are not allowed to be carried onto the plane but can be brought in checked baggage, such as:
∑ Hammers, drills and other work tools
∑ Sporting goods such as baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks
Carry-On Rules
Save yourself time and stress by properly packing your carry-on luggage, especially if you plan on bringing liquids, aerosols and gels. You can bring these items in limited quantities as long as you follow these rules:
1. Liquids, aerosols and gels must be inside containers no greater than 3.4 ounces
2. These 3.4 ounce containers must be placed inside a 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag
3. The plastic bag should be placed in a separate security bin to facilitate inspection
4. There is a one bag limit per traveler
Breast Milk and Medications
You are allowed to bring more than 3.4 ounces of breast milk, baby formula, juice and other liquids. Travelers do not need to place these additional liquids in a zip-top bag, but they do need to declare them at the security checkpoint.
Travelers with disabilities and medical conditions are allowed to bring medications that exceed the 3.4 ounce limit. However, they must also declare these to security screeners.
Security Checkpoint
Going through an airport security checkpoint doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can move through the line faster if you:
∑ Have your identification and travel documents handy
∑ Wear shoes that are easy to remove
∑ Avoid traveling with items that might set off the metal detector
∑ Are ready to place your laptop in a security bin
Traveling with Children
It’s important to know what to expect when going through an airport security checkpoint with children.
Children will not be separated from their parents or the person they are traveling with at the checkpoint. However, if the child can walk without the assistance of an adult, it is recommended that he or she walk alone through the metal detector.
When you approach the checkpoint with children, be ready to:
∑ Remove children from their strollers and chairs
∑ Remain with your children at all times and do not ask anybody who is not traveling with you to carry your child
∑ Declare liquids such as breast milk, baby food or formula so they can be inspected
