If you are reading this blog as you wait for your delayed flight in New York, Chicago or Boston—I feel your pain. I was in your place almost a year ago to the day. If you are one of the lucky ones whose holiday travel plans won’t take you anywhere near an airport over the next two weeks count your blessings. The airport–or more specifically–airport security checkpoint lines are the last place any of us want to spend our precious vacation time.
That said, my family lives in Hawaii, roughly 5,000 miles away from my current residence so I realize there’s no getting around traveling this time of year. However, to make life easier you might consider taking a moment to review these tips for getting you and your stuff past the metal detectors with your holiday cheer still in tact.
Think BEFORE You Dress. You can avoid multiple trips through the metal detectors (not to mention the Grinch-like stares from the disgruntled travelers lined up behind you) if you avoid wearing blinged out belt buckles, big watches, and metal hair ornaments. If your holiday travel outfit requires donning these items take a moment to remove them and place them in your carry-on before you reach the security checkpoint.
Un-Merry Unmentionables. Like it or not ladies, most under wire bras will get you sent to the secondary screening station for an extra wand or pat-down inspection. And that goes double for all of you travelers who sport body piercings in undisclosed locations. To avoid the extra wanding, consider wearing a bra minus the under wire and for the sake of the thousands of travelers lined up behind you remove your piercings before you head to the airport.
Present Problems. Don’t waste your time gussying up your holiday gifts if you plan to carry them on a plane this holiday season. Gift wrapping paper, especially any that includes even a hint of foil sends airport-scanning machines into a tizzy. TSA agents will not hesitate to order you to unwrap all the presents in your carry-on before you make your way through security. To avoid this hassle and embarrassment consider shipping your presents ahead. Or pack your gifts in your checked baggage.
Food for Thought. I am a huge advocate of packing extra snacks in your carry-on (I travel with a toddler), but to avoid getting your food confiscated at security checkpoints you need to think carefully about the goodies you bring along to eat on the plane. The TSA has a long list of “no-fly” foods on its website, but the list doesn’t cover everything that might get you pulled over. What’s more (I learned this the hard way), just because a food item gets through security in one city doesn’t mean TSA agents at another airport will let your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches fly by them. The same goes for yogurt, cheesecake, fruit pies, even jelly-filled doughnuts. Most often the aforementioned items are confiscated or you are given the option of eating the questionable items before you enter the screening zone. The same goes for turkey sandwiches—-the meat and bread may be fine and dandy on their own, but a TSA officer could determine the mayonnaise or mustard you slathered between the bread constitutes as a liquid or gel. To get around this one, build your sandwich, but leave out the condiments.
Related Articles:
How To Avoid Nasty Looks At Airport Security Screening Areas
Holiday Travel: Tips For a Smooth Flight
Can We Find A Way To Eliminate Liquid Restrictions On Airplanes?
The Benefits Of Advance Technology Airport X-Ray Machines
Airlines Lift Bans on Lighters and Breast Milk
A New Option For Those Traveling With Banned Liquids
Grandma Puts Baby Through Airport X-Ray Machine
The Secret Code That Gets You Screened