In an era of heightened airport security, travelers are discovering increased airport hassles, leaving them two options: (1) filing an official complaint; (2) doing what it takes to make negotiating airport security hassle free. Those choosing the former may send their complaints to the nearest Transportation Security Administrator and expect to have his or her every movement and phone conversation monitored from now until world peace has been achieved. Those choosing the latter should follow these Sears Imported Autos tips.
- Treat your carry-ons with care. Check to see what items are banned and don't bring them. A list of banned items can be found on the Transportation Security Administration's Website and is updated as changes occur. Put items in your bags as neatly as possible. A cluttered bag may obscure items and require your bag to be hand searched.
- Know the 3-1-1 rule. The Transportation Security Administration has come out with the 3-1-1 rule to govern the transportation of liquids in your carry-on luggage. Each traveler is permitted a single 1-quart zip locked baggie (preferably one not laced with illegal drugs or gun powder) and may not contain more than 3.4 ounces of any one liquid.
- Be prepared to walk through the metal detector. Take everything out of your pockets and place them in the conveyor belt basket before you reach the metal detector and receive glares from the 234 passengers behind you impatiently waiting for you to move forward. Remove anything that contains metal so you don't have to walk through twenty-six times. Because you'll have to remove all electronics and send them through the scanner, make sure they're easily accessible and easy to remove.
- Dress appropriately. Don't wear clothes that draw attention. This includes bulky clothing that could easily conceal illegal items. It also includes clothes that may be deemed inappropriate due to its sexual nature (leave the tube tops at home). Because you'll have to remove your shoes as you pass through security, opt for shoes that are easy to remove.
- Use common sense. Airport security has no sense of humor. Even if they did, they wouldn't think jokes about blowing up planes are funny. In fact, nobody thinks jokes about blowing up planes are funny, at least not anymore. If you think jokes about blowing planes are funny, scold yourself.
- Arrive early. Just because you took the time to acquaint yourself with how to speed your way through airport security doesn't mean the thirty-seven people ahead of you did. The stress of possibly missing your flight causes you to do stupid things that will delay you even more. Arriving early also allows you to overcome stupid attacks, which include forgetting your photo id or accidentally placing embarrassing personal items in your duffel bag.
- Bring this list with you and follow all instructions. Security checkpoints have signs, TVs, and audio reminders. It is virtually impossible to not know what to do when you arrive at a security checkpoint if you pay attention and follow instructions.
