|
Blog: Simplify Your Life
 Making Airport Security Easier
We just flew for the first time in a
while this past week -- and may I simply say how glad I am that Matt and
I don't have to rely entirely upon the airlines for long-distance
transportation any more? What a pain in the neck! The world has changed
since 9/11, and it's a rare traveler that doesn't experience some level
of delay or frustration. But there are some proactive steps you can take
to make your trip through the screening line a bit faster.
To
Go In The Bins
As most people know, the
TSA has reduced the size of carry-on toiletries -- but I still see
folks getting stopped for exceeding the limit, so I thought I might
recap the 3-1-1 rule. You are allowed a 3-ounce bottle of each liquid
or gel -- all 3-ounce bottles must fit into a single 1 quart-sized
clear plastic zip-top bag -- and only 1 bag per passenger. This plastic
bag must be placed in a screening bin -- and you may not have liquids in
any other carry-ons (so be sure to empty the cosmetics and lotions from
your purse). I can get by on my zippy bag of toiletries for up to a
week-long trip -- if you need more, you'll have to store it in your
checked luggage. You can bring more than 3 ounces of certain other
liquids like medications and baby formula -- don't forget to declare
these items for inspection at the checkpoint (and be prepared to
contaminate an entire supply of breast milk proving it isn't explosive
to an overzealous security guard!)
You've probably been informed
that laptop computers must go through screening in a separate bin, but
don't be surprised if you're asked to put larger portable game systems,
MP3, or CD players in that sexy gray plastic tub, too (pretty much
anything bigger than your iPod). If you keep these near the top of your
carry-on bag, they will be easy to access quickly. And guys, rather than
waiting until you get to the conveyor belt to empty your pockets, think
about carrying a fanny pack (I hate that name) or a "man-purse" to the
airport -- a small bag that can hold your wallet, keys, change, cell
phone, etc. There's a reason women have been toting around handbags for
centuries -- it's much more convenient to have these small items
consolidated in one place, rather than scattering them amongst your
pockets. And I promise that we won't think any less of you! 
Carry-On Bags
The TSA suggests that you pack a your carry-on
bag in layers -- putting heavier items on the bottom, then clothes, then
electronic items on top. This will help security better see what's in
your bag as they run it down the conveyor belt, and will also save you
time pulling out potentially threatening devices (like your Gameboy and
laptop) for the screener.
You may not consider organization to be
a security issue, but it is when you fly. This is not the time to get
in a rush and stuff a bunch of junk into your bag, will-nilly. A mess is
harder for the screeners to interpret on the x-ray machine -- and will
almost certainly guarantee you a delay as the lovely TSA agent rifles
through your bag to figure out that those tangled wires aren't actually
part of a bomb. A neatly packed carry-on will get you through the line
faster -- so take a second to wrap your cords, store loose items in a
small interior bag, and put anything that could be misinterpreted as
"suspicious" near the top of your carry-on.
You Are What You
Wear
It's always been said
that a seasoned traveler knows how to dress for the occasion (at least,
that's what Grace Kelly told Jimmy Stewart in "Rear Window") -- and this
is doubly true when you are flying. You can greatly speed up your trip
through security if you dress for the screening machines. And believe
me, I'm not suggesting for a second that this hideous green feather
outfit of Madonna's is an appropriate choice -- woman, what were you
thinking?? In the 80's, everyone wanted to dress like the Material Girl,
but it's no wonder that she hasn't been copied in decades. Wait a
minute, that's not where I wanted to go with this blog -- okay, away
from celebrity fashion mistakes and back to flight tips!
In the
old days, folks dressed up for air travel (I love that even in "The
Endless Summer," those fabulous 60's beach bums wore suits on the flight
to Africa to go surfing!) But in the modern world, dressing down will
save you a lot of time and frustration. I personally vote for sweats (as
I usually spend most of the flight sleeping), but you can still look
"professional" while avoiding the most common security wardrobe pitfalls
(especially if you shop at Chico's, where everything is built for
comfort and nothing requires a belt!) Here are a few tips for quick
passage through security:
- wear clothes that minimize
zippers, buttons, snaps, or metal parts that might set off the alarms
- watches
and big jewelry can also set off the metal detectors, so keep any
oversized earrings, bracelets, bangles, and other accessories in your
bag until you get through security -- you can pretty yourself up in the
bathroom near your gate, so you look sexy for the flight
- stick to slip-on shoes (I love my Birks
for this) rather than those that tie or zip -- you'll spend less time
getting your shoes off and on as you pile your stuff on the conveyor
belt
- if you can manage it without your pants
falling down, avoid wearing a belt -- it's just one more thing to have
to remove and put back on
- if you wear a hat, the
security guard is 99% certain to ask you to take it off -- so if you're
having a bad hair day, you may want to stick to a barrette or bandanna
- you
will also be asked to remove any jackets or sweaters, so go ahead and
stick your outerwear in your carry-on bag -- you can pull it back out
after you're done with security and ready to get on the plane
Do's
And Don'ts
You would think that it would be pretty obvious what kinds of
items are considered too "dangerous" or "hazardous" to be included in
your carry-on bags. However, when the Department Of Homeland Security
says that you can't take an unloaded gun with you, but you can carry a
pipe wrench (which seems a more effective way to club someone than
pistol-whipping them) -- I have to question the logic behind our current
anti-terrorism policies. The rules are fairly arbitrary, so I thought I
would spend a minute educating you on the finer points of luggage
restriction in the modern age.
- pretty much anything sharp
is right out (box cutters, knives, razors, etc.) -- but you can bring
metal scissors with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches -- I
guess the TSA presumes you'll live if you get four inches of metal
jabbed into your neck
- if you're planning to play
sports on your trip, you need to pack your equipment -- bats, golf
clubs, hockey sticks, pool cues, and ski poles are all restricted
- hammers,
drills, and saws are not allowed -- but a screwdriver, wrench, or pair
of pliers is fine (????)
- the TSA specifically restricts
cattle prods and crowbars (I know that I've had to unpack my bags more
than once for these items) -- but it's okay to bring lighters and
matches onboard the plane (smoking is prohibited in-flight and in the
airport, but they don't want people to have to wait a second to light up
as soon as they land)
- of course no explosives -- but
that might include glycerine-based soaps and toiletries, if it sets off
the bomb detectors
- no gel shoe inserts, but you can
bring up to 4 small compressed gas cartridges if they accompany a life
vest
and no snow globes -- what the hell were you
thinking? those might kill somebody!
posted on: 7/13/2010 11:30:00 AM by Ramona Creel
category: General Organizing Tips
Simplify Your Life:
< Previous Post
- Next Post >
Blog Central:
< Previous Post
- Next Post >
 Discuss This Post
|
|
Simplify Your Life
by Ramona Creel
View This Blog 
 Subscribe To This Blog
About Ramona:
I have been a Professional Organizer for more than 10 years, I am a NAPO Golden Circle member, and I was the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. I have worked one-on-one with scores of clients and have trained dozens of newbie organizers as they got started in the industry. I provide both hands-on and virtual coaching to help clients improve their organizing skills and simplify their lives. I invite you to visit my website at http://www.RamonaCreel.com, and I challenge you to find one new idea that you can put into practice in your life, to help you become better organized, starting TODAY! I am passionate about coaching folks toward a more balanced, productive, and enjoyable life -- and I firmly believe that if I can do it, so can you!
You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter, check out my Facebook profile, and subscribe to my feeds. Ramona's Website:
www.RamonaCreel.com
Ramona's Other Blogs:
Ramona's Favorites:
|
OnlineOrganizing.com is a service mark of Bradford, LLC.
