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If you’ve gone through TSA security at a large airport, you know that you may be in for a mess.
That doesn’t have to be. You can protect yourself by following several simple procedures.
Above: Notice that I did not take this photo while actually passing through TSA security. Although at times permitted by TSA if it does not interfere with the screening process and that you do not seem to be doing it for a harmful purpose, why attract unwanted attention? Moreover, there may be state or local laws that prohibit photography.
Always follow exactly the same routine. That means if your mind is on missing your flight, on an upcoming meeting or whatever, you do not have to think very much about security.
Wait until person ahead of you has successfully stepped through x-ray before pushing the laptop case and then laptop tray through. That way you can more easily keep an eye on these.
At security, beware of a team intent on stealing. A person in front of you stages a delay at x-ray by deliberately leaving some coins or whatever in her pocket while her partner grabs a laptop or two or other valuables owned by people delayed by the person with the coins.
Our routine works to prevent one of these victims being you.
I am naturally friendly and polite. This has helped immensely with the security process.
If you do not like TSA security proceedures, take your complaints to the people who determine the rules, not to the TSA agents on the front line who do not have the power to change anything. What can you accomplish by hassling them?
Note that the person who gained fame by saying "Don't touch my junk" and then refusing to continue the pat down process did not fly that day.
Have you any suggestions to improve these tips? Please comment! Although written with TSA security in the U.S. in mind, the basic suggestions, the same routine always both before and during the security line, apply anywhere.
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Over 1 million lodging choices worldwide.
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TSA can be such a pain some times! It always seems that I get stuck behind the people that hold up the line. This tips would be helpful for them to read! I’ve noticed that your attitude can make a HUGE difference on how TSA works, staying friendly will let them do their job and stay positive!
Great post, Don. I think the most valuable piece of advice is to establish a routine and stick to it every time you go through security. It’s also a great idea to take steps to protect yourself from thieves when you get to the checkpoint. You’re vulnerable there, and thieves do make a good living preying on travellers at the airport.
My own technique is to dress for the airport without things that will trigger the x-ray machine, like a belt and loose change in my pockets. But somehow I still end up forgetting something, like my watch, and get the pleasure of a pat-down.
Thank you so much, Paul.
That’s great advice to think about how you’re dressed even before reaching the airport.
My own advice did not go well one time. Forgetting that I had lost some weight before their purchase, I removed the belt from my trousers before queuing up for x-ray belt inspection.
Very quickly I was standing in my underwear luckily not going commando that day!
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