Navigating the World of Airline Security

June 21, 2008 3:05 am RSS Feed Icon Airplane

While air travel remains a great deal of fun and a great way to cover vast distances in a short period of time, the airline security system has come to resemble a gauntlet, filled with removed shoes, long lines and a great deal of frustration, and it is important to know how to navigate these sometimes treacherous waters.

One of the most important things for the first time traveler to keep in mind is that it is important to get to the airport early, especially when traveling at peak travel times, such as holiday weekends or the busy summer travel months. It is a good idea to call the airline a couple of days before the trip to get their recommendation for how early to arrive. Most airlines will provide a toll free number travelers can use to get important updates.

Upon arrival at the airport, it is important to check in with the airline as early as possible. For those travelers not checking luggage, the fastest way to the gate is usually one of the automated kiosks most airlines now provide travelers. These kiosks can automatically print a boarding pass, and they often allow travelers to choose their seat assignments as well. All that is required for their operation is the credit card used to purchase the ticket, or the frequent flier card issued by the airline. The kiosk is then able to retrieve the reservation and automatically print the boarding pass and other travel documents.

With boarding pass in hand, it is time to join the waiting hordes at the security checkpoint. If you are lucky, the line will be short. If not, well be prepared to wait. No one likes to wait on line of course, but it is important to bring your patience, and your sense of humor, when it comes to airline security. Remembering that the screeners are just doing their jobs will help a great deal, as will being prepared when it is your turn. Most airports will have an initial screener whose job it is to check travel documents and identification, so be sure to have those items handy, and keep them out until you have passed through the security checkpoint.

While in most cases the trip through security will be uneventful, it is important to keep a few tips in mind. Some of those important tips include:

  • Be prepared to remove electronic equipment, especially laptops, from their cases to be inspected. In some cases the security screener will ask that you turn on your laptop, cell phone or other electronic gadget, so be sure that the batteries are fully charged before leaving home.
  • Keep an eye on purses, carryon bags and other valuables as they make their way down the conveyor belt. The job of the airline screeners is to be on the lookout for suspicious persons and suspicious activities, not to watch your bags. Keep an eye on your bags as they go through the x-ray machine and as you pass through the metal detector.
  • Remove all coins from your pocket and all metal from your person before passing through the metal detector. While most of us will remember to remove those coins and car keys, many will forget about other metal objects, like belts, watches, bracelets and the like. Forgetting to remove those items can unnecessarily delay and complicate your trip. The sensitivity of the metal detectors used at airports varies, but some are sensitive enough to pick up metal studs on jeans or metal tips on shoelaces.
  • Try to keep your sense of humor about you. Approaching travel with a sense of fun can be difficult, but it is important to look upon travel as an adventure and to keep the experience as lighthearted as possible.

    • If any problems do arise, either with the airline or with airport security, seek the assistance of the airline or airport personnel. The staff of the airline and employees of the airport can be very helpful, but it is important to approach the situation tactfully and clearly ask for what you want. Airline travel is not as simple or as straightforward as it once was, but with the right attitude traveling by plane can continue to be an enjoyable and fun adventure.

    Copyright 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

    Author Ian White helps home owners find resposible home lovers in your area to care for your home, gardens and pets while you take a vacation.

    Housecarers.com House Sitting Matching Directory offers free membership and services for home owners.

    Rent free accommodation is provided for responsible retirees and travellers in exchange for home, garden and pet care.

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