AIRPORT SECURITY

AIRPORT SECURITY

The traveling public appears only to remember recent history, post-9/11 terrorist attacks.  Yes, airport security has increased immensely in its depth and breadth in the past decade or so; however, aviation security in one form or another dates back to the 1970s.

Obviously there is push back from the public in regards to more recent procedures put in place to ensure safety for all passengers.  It may not be pleasant and you may not agree with it, but if you are reading this, you probably are like most of us and most tolerate it.

Unless you are a frequent traveler, the best way to prepare for security is becoming informed.  Getting your information directly from the agency that ensures your safety is your best bet at tsa.gov.  

Airport security rules and regulations worldwide are generally very similar:

Before You Leave for the Airport:

- Remember to bring your government issued photo ID, U.S./Canadian Drivers License, Passport are most common.

- Avoid bringing prohibited items with you on your journey.  Much of this is common sense, but passengers often forget that liquids, gels, and aerosols (LGAs) over 3.4 oz./100ml/100g ARE NOT PERMITTED in carry-on luggage. 

These prohibited items usually are made up of toiletries: creams, lotions, pastes and to the surprise of many food items including sauces, spreads and alcohol.  Unless you need LGA item(s) in the cabin during the flight (ie. liquid medication), it is highly advisable to pack it in your check-in luggage or simply do not take it with you on your trip.

- Pack light if possible.  If you are bringing little or nothing, what is there for security to inspect?

At the Airport:

- After you check in with your airline (lost?), proceed to the security queue.  Be aware that if you are flying out of Tom Bradley, most duty free stores and restaurants are before security.

- If you are still pushing your $5 Smart Carte, the private security/line monitor will likely inform you that your cart is not permitted through security.

Airport Security Queue

- Show your boarding pass to the line monitor to proceed to the TSA document verification.  Again, show your boarding pass in addition to your acceptable ID to the TSA agent.  Once the agent has cleared you, put your documents away.  Only in rare cases will you need your ID or boarding pass for a second time before you arrive at your gate.

- While you are in the queue, it is the best time to prepare for what will be requested of you:

Step 1: Remove outer garments including: hats, jackets, belts, shoes

Step 2: Remove large electronic items from your bags including: laptop computers, CPAP machines, projectors, gaming consoles, speakers, DVD/Blu-Ray players and place these items in a plastic bin

Step 3: Remove any LGA items from your bags including: toiletries and food items.  It is advisable to go beyond this requirement and remove any powdered items, fruits, and cheeses as well.

Step 4 Remove EVERYTHING from your pockets.  Instead of placing these loose items in a plastic bin, it is highly recommended that you tuck everything in a secure area of your carry-on bag.  If you have a money belt, remove it and hold on to these and any other valuables in your hand if needed.

Step 5: Ensure that your items rest on the X-Ray conveyor belt and is being fed through the machine before proceeding to either the walk-through metal detector or scanning machine.

Step 6: Be aware that a TSA agent may stop you due to some anomaly or random check, listen and comply with the request.  If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints it is recommended you bring that to the agent or the supervisor in a tactful manner.

Once you finishing collecting your items on the other side you have completed airport security screening and may proceed to your flight.