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How to Avoid Getting Held Up at the Airport By Kim Sabshin  |
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With summer ahead, many Americans’ vacations will involve plane trips. For some, airports have become a nuisance that should be avoided at all costs, especially since 9/11. However, flying does not need to be as much of a hassle as some have made it out to be. Although there is not much that you can do if your flight gets delayed or canceled, here is some basic information to make your experience at the airport less stressful:
- Generally, airports allow passengers to carry one small piece of carry-on luggage, as well as a smaller personal item such as a laptop, purse, backpack, or briefcase. Anything that you bring must meet size requirements set by individual airlines. Be sure to check ahead of time with the airline that you will be flying with.
- Avoid packing prohibited items. With exceptions such as medicine, baby formula, and breast milk, carry-on liquids need to be in containers three ounces or smaller and put into one quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Any larger container will need to be checked. Other common summer items prohibited in carry-on luggage include golf clubs, fishing poles and tackle, scuba gear, common camping equipment such as pocketknives and small scissors, and gas containers for grills and stoves.
- Pack your bags carefully. Although it might not happen, you should pack under the assumption that security might need to go through one or more of your bags. If you cram your belongings into a suitcase or do not organize them, it will likely take longer to get everything back in and cause you unnecessary delays.
- Leave as much out as possible. Coats and jackets will need to go through the X-ray machine separately, and having to dig through your bags for them will only cost you and others unnecessary time. On a related note, you will also need to remove your shoes and have them X-rayed separately, so wear ones that slip on and off easily.
- Be aware of metal on your body. The sensitivity of individual metal detectors can vary, and keys, cell phones, belt buckles, surgical implants, underwire bras, Ace bandages with metal splints, and body piercings have all reportedly set off alarms. If something sets off an alarm, you will need to undergo further inspection. If the object is a piercing, metal implant, or similar item, ask to be inspected in private.
- If you have the extra cash and fly often, you might want to consider buying a Clear card. These are high-tech cards that will allow you to bypass longer airport security lines, provided you pay an annual fee of $199 for a membership.
- Finally, try to be courteous and patient even if something does go wrong or a security official makes a mistake. Rudeness and impatience not only make other people’s lives worse, but can also make you look more suspicious.
If you are unsure of something, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has further details regarding how airport travelers can make their trip through airport security easier. Visit their website at http://www.tsa.gov/ for more information.
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 Planning a trip can be a stressful task if you are having a hard time deciding where you want to spend your next vacation. You have to think of things like what to do from the activities to points of interest and then hotels, airfare, and rental car. And you can’t forget to look at the best time to go based on weather and peak times for that area. To make your next family vacation a stress free fun experience plan your trip with Vacations Made Easy.
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