Tim Matheson » 6 Ways to make airport security painless
Meh. These tips aren’t really that helpful.
I find the following more important:
Wear shoes that are easy to take off/on. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had to wait behind someone who is wearing lace-up boots at the security line. They will ask you to take off your shoes, just do it. Don’t put your shoes in one of the grey bins, just put them as is on the band.
Put your wallet, cell phone, spare change, car keys, watch, etc. in your carry on bag before you get to the security line. It just makes life easier for everyone.
While you’re waiting in the security line, pull out your laptop. You’re required to have it scanned separately, why wait till the last minute?
Ditto for your jacket/sportcoat. You will need to take it off anyway, just get it over with.
Keep your boarding pass in your hand. You will need to show it as you pass through the metal detector.
Before you get to security, take out your ID. Don’t wait until you’re asked, you are going to have to show it with your boarding pass.
Don’t try and keep lighters in your jacket/bag. They will find them, and you’ll lose it anyway. If you’re a smoker, take your lighters out of your pants/jacket/bag and bring along some matches.
Use the check-in kiosks. If you have an e-ticket, walk up to a check-in kiosk, slide your credit card (it doesn’t have to be the one you used to buy the ticket, it’s only used to authenticate your name) and viola, you are done.
