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Make Your Next Flight Worry-Free: All About Airport Security
Frustrating, right? You want to be able to take your giant water bottle on the plane with you. Or, maybe you want to stuff some economy-sized shampoo in your carry-on luggage. Sorry. There’s a lot the TSA won’t let you drag on the plane.
Seems stupid, right? But, if you don’t follow the rules, you’ll end up wasting your money and time. Here’s what the TSA wants you to know about airport security.
TSA Agents Are Tested Regularly
Let’s say you just saved yourself a bunch of money by logging onto UpgradedPoints.com and accumulating a bunch of frequent flyer miles. You have your ticket in-hand. You’re standing in line now, and it’s time to hit the TSA security checkpoint.
In addition to undergoing several weeks of training, a TSA agent does a month of on-the-job training with an experienced officer. TSA agents are also tested on a daily basis. The scanners have devices built into them that require agents to always be looking at the screen to try to catch things.
So, if you think you’re going to sneak something past them, you’re mistaken. They’re on their game, and they’re going to catch even the smallest thing. And, if they do, it’s only going to hold you up in line.
TSA Agents Use Tools To Help You
The TSA offers seasonal checklists that you can use to help you prepare for travel. For example, the TSA urges you to use locks that are TSA compatible and not to pack any fireworks in your checked or carry-on luggage. They are not allowed on any plane.
The TSA app for smartphones also gives you a lot of different features to help you have a smoother security screening process. You can input security line wait times and see if there’s any airport delays ahead of time so you’re not kept waiting.
Know The Rules
The 3-1-1 rule refers to the amount of liquid, gel, and aerosol, cream, or paste you can put in your carry-on luggage. In other words, you can pack 3.4 ounces per container. It has to be sealed in a quart-sized clear plastic baggie.
Remember, this applies to pretty much all things of the same or similar consistency as the restricted substances. This includes foods, like peanut butter.
TSA Doesn’t Want To Slow You Down
The TSA doesn’t want to slow you down. It wants to make sure that you get through security quickly so that you have time to get on the plane and make your flight. Travelers who don’t prepare beforehand are the ones that usually slow down the security times. You should wear easily removable shoes and belts as well as have all of your electronics organizes so they can be separated from the bag and placed in the bins.
TSA Constantly Encounters Challenges
Some of the things that the TSA officers have to face are amazing. They handle everything from an influx of travelers during the holidays, to screaming kids that frighten other passengers to legit bomb threats.
The job of the TSA is to be right 100% of the time. And, one thing that most people don’t understand is that they need to stay ahead of threats to keep passengers safe. One of the most difficult aspects of the job is dealing with people who don’t travel a lot. They need extra help getting through security checkpoints, and it adds frustration for frequent fliers because it backs up the line and makes everyone wait longer.
Most TSA agents suggest that you come early and be prepared for a wait. Wait times depend heavily on the passenger load and the season.
Sometimes, it will take an hour to complete the security scans. Sometimes, it takes longer. On light days, you may breeze through security and get right on the plane. It all depends.
You Can Speed Through Checkout
One way that you can get around the hassle of the security checkpoint is to sign up for TSA Pre. It’s a paid service that fast-tracks your security checkpoint experience. For less than $100, you get 5 years of expedited screening so that you can get on your plane faster.
The TSA Pre lets you keep your belt on, you don’t have to remove your 3-1-1 liquids, and you don’t have to take off your shoes or jacket or any of the usual security stuff. You will have to pass through a metal detector, however. The TSA does not, however, guarantee that TSA pre will be available for all flights or at all airports.
Alexandra Morley has worked landside at an airport for many years now. She is still surprised at the things that happen at airports, and admits she enjoys a spot of people watching. She writes helpful and informative articles to make air travel easier.
