Airport Security Checkpoints Are No Fun

What You Wear and How You Pack Make It Easier

But...

When you're packing and choosing your clothes, it pays to think about security at the airport as well as what you'll be doing on your trip.

You need to decide if you're going to carry everything on or if you'll be checking luggage. It will make a difference as to how you pack.... and how you pack can make a difference when you are trying to go through security lines at the airport. What you wear can make it easier... or create hassles, so think about how you're going to dress for those airport security checkpoints and well as for the flight.

Dress for Airport Security Checkpoints

Remember, in the U.S. you'll have to take off your shoes. Slip on shoes are easiest. Tennis shoes or lace up shoes take a little longer to get off and back on. And unless you really, really want to wear those hard-to-get-on-and-off cowboy boots... you might just want to pack them or leave them home.

Bulky sweaters and jackets have to be removed for security, but you'll just have to put up with that... you don't want to pack them, especially if you're not checking luggage. Room in those carry-on bags is always at a premium!

I have to tell you, we've been through those new body scanners a few times now at airport security checkpoints, and once or twice early on, they had us take off our money belts... and those aren't even metal! I'm not going to stop wearing one of those though... those money belts are for travel security of a whole different sort... the security of my travel documents!

How You Pack Makes Airport Security Checkpoints Easier

If you will be checking luggage, you can put liquids into those bags. You are not limited to the 3 ounces or 100ml, but can carry as much as you want.

Try to pack your carry-on bag in an orderly fashion. It may seem easiest to just throw everything into a backpack, but things that are jumbled up together are hard to make out on the x-ray screen, and that may cause you to be delayed at screening or even be pulled aside for an extra bag search.

Packing Electronics for Airport Security Checkpoints

Small electronics like iPods, cameras, curling irons, and shavers can stay in your carry-on during screening. If you still carry film for a camera, it will go through screening just fine unless it is faster than 800-speed. (You'll have to ask for an officer to hand inspect fast film to avoid x-rays.)

And If You're Carrying Gifts...

Have your boarding pass and identification available for the officers. Get to the airport early enough so you won't be rushed. Know what airline cut-off times are for check in. You must generally check in earlier for international flights than you do for domestic flights. And remember it can take a while to get through those airport security checkpoints even if you've packed and dressed for it.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

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