Air Travel - Passing the Security Test

Traveling by air these days can be a tiresome and complicated endeavor. However, it doesn't have to be if you know the rules and security measures you will need to go through in advance of your trip.

Being a frequent air traveler myself, I get most frustrated with people ahead of me that don't know what to do and hold up hundreds of people standing in line while they figure it out or argue with the security officers. I'll let you in on a little secret, if you don't follow the rules, you won't get on your flight, no matter how good of an debater you are or how well you present your case. The TSA has the final word and if you don't follow it you may end up missing your flight, or in handcuffs!

The best way to breeze through security is to know ahead of time what will be expected of you. Here is a little test to check your knowledge:

1. Can I carry a bottle of water onto the plane?
2. Must I take off my shoes before I go through security? What if I am wearing sandals or flip flops?
3. Can I lock my luggage?
4. If I do not have a photo ID will I still be able to pass through security?
5. Can I take liquids such as hand cream, makeup or cologne through security?

Well, how well did you do? Lets' see!

Answers:

1. Yes, you can carry a bottle of water onto the plane. However, you can't take a bottle of water through security. You must purchase the water once you have passed through security screening.

2. Yes, all shoes, even sandals and flips flops must be taken off and go through the screening machine. To make it easier, wear a slip on shoe that you don't need to tie.

3. Yes, but use a TSA approved lock or it may be cut off. Here is a link to purchase these type of locks - TSA Approved Locks

4. You may be allowed to enter through security, but must undergo a thorough search. You will be directed to a special area in which all your carry on items will be opened and thoroughly searched. You will also be padded down and checkout completely. These searches may take as long as a half hour before you are permitted to pass through security. Best thing to do is have that picture ID.

5. Yes, but follow the 3-1-1 rule:

3-1-1 Rule

3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure.

For more complete details on what you need to know, go to the TSA Website and plan ahead. Knowing what to expect will make your trip, and all the other people behind you in line, a better one.

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Avoid Extra Baggage Fees - Travel Light!

Airlines are now charging for baggage over 50 lbs. and some are even charging for bags over 30 lbs. Therefore it becomes ever more important to travel light these days. Keeping luggage to one piece and keeping it within weight restrictions is going to save you a lot of time, money and hassle. In addition, it may also mean that you can carry on your luggage, which eliminates the hassles of losing checked luggage.

Consider your Suitcase Choice

Consider your suitcase. How much does it weigh empty? Keep in mind that this added weight will increase the weight of the bag once packed. Lightweight nylon duffel bags weigh less than hard sided suitcases; they are also flexible so you can pack a lot in them. The lighter your bag is when it's empty, the more you'll be able to pack without overshooting your weight limit.

Make a List

Make a list before you pack. This way, you can write down everything you want or need to take with you, so that you make sure you don't forget anything. Then, as you pack, go back and take anything off your list you're not going to need. Think essentials first, and then add in extras from your list as you have room to.

Choose your Clothes Carefully

Choose just a few outfits' worth of clothing that you can mix and match, so that you can get several different looks from just two or three outfits. In addition, make sure you choose clothes that are seasonally appropriate and that can do double duty. For example, exercise pants can be great loungewear (or sleepwear) in addition to dressing you for your daily workout sessions.
It's better to layer your clothing instead of packing particularly heavy clothing. This is because layers pack better but still keep you warm, while a heavy parka is going to take up a lot of room in your suitcase.

Roll your clothes rather than folding. Shirts, pants even suit jackets will become heavily wrinkled if folded and left in a suitcase for long periods. If you roll your clothing in a tube shape, they will pack easier and come out of your suitcase virtually wrinkle free.
Bathroom kits can take up a lot of precious space. To travel light like a pro, minimize your bathroom kit to the essentials. Many bathroom items also come in 'travel-sized' containers; these are a great space saver.

The basic principle is to strip down your packing list to nothing more than what you'll need, and, if any space is left over, then consider other things above the bare essentials.