The Day of The Flight: Airport Security Tips and Staying Organized
Dee Cohen, LCSW
October 26, 2008
It helps to be organized when you fly both to deal with getting through security with ease as well as for having at hand what you need when you are waiting at the gate or in the plane. Before you get to security, you'll need to have your photo id and boarding pass. Keep these in a convenient spot. Having a backpack with compartments makes this easy.
When you pack, think out what the items are that contain liquids or gels that you feel are essential to bring as carry-ons. If you don't need them that day, put them in your baggage and claim when you arrive. Many items can also be purchased once you arrive at drug stores so if you only have carry-on luggage, consider that point. For items you wish to take that are liquids or gel, they need to be 3 ounces or less and also need to be in containers that size or smaller. You also need to put them in a quart sized plastic ziplock bag and not one that is larger than that size. One is permitted per person boarding.
Remember also that metals can trigger a search so place coins and jewelry also in a plastic bag to make things easy. Batteries cannot be put in the claimed luggage and need to be carried on if they are loose lithium batteries. It is fine to pack them in the checked luggage if they are within a device. Know what parts of your pocketbook or backpack you place the plastic bags as you need to multi-task going through security: As you put things on the conveyor belt, you are also taking off your shoes, taking off an outer coat and also possibly removing your belt. To be trying to think about where you put your plastic bag that holds your liquid foundation and lip gel will be very distracting.
Sneakers are easy to remove and a zip up coat or sweatshirt is a good choice as well.
Once you are through security, you'll want to be able to access your wallet to buy snacks, meals or magazines. If you are good at airport preparation , you'll have brought some of these items with you from home in advance. However, you'll need to purchase water after security as water bottles can't be taken through screening. Bring a good book with you as delays can be frustrating and are common in the northeast during the winter months. Charge your cell phone battery and laptop in advance as there are few spots at the airport for your plugs and they are scooped up quickly. Planning ahead will make the day of airline travel more enjoyable and you can catch up on interesting reading or work assignments if you think out what you need in advance.
When you pack, think out what the items are that contain liquids or gels that you feel are essential to bring as carry-ons. If you don't need them that day, put them in your baggage and claim when you arrive. Many items can also be purchased once you arrive at drug stores so if you only have carry-on luggage, consider that point. For items you wish to take that are liquids or gel, they need to be 3 ounces or less and also need to be in containers that size or smaller. You also need to put them in a quart sized plastic ziplock bag and not one that is larger than that size. One is permitted per person boarding.
Remember also that metals can trigger a search so place coins and jewelry also in a plastic bag to make things easy. Batteries cannot be put in the claimed luggage and need to be carried on if they are loose lithium batteries. It is fine to pack them in the checked luggage if they are within a device. Know what parts of your pocketbook or backpack you place the plastic bags as you need to multi-task going through security: As you put things on the conveyor belt, you are also taking off your shoes, taking off an outer coat and also possibly removing your belt. To be trying to think about where you put your plastic bag that holds your liquid foundation and lip gel will be very distracting.
Sneakers are easy to remove and a zip up coat or sweatshirt is a good choice as well.
Once you are through security, you'll want to be able to access your wallet to buy snacks, meals or magazines. If you are good at airport preparation , you'll have brought some of these items with you from home in advance. However, you'll need to purchase water after security as water bottles can't be taken through screening. Bring a good book with you as delays can be frustrating and are common in the northeast during the winter months. Charge your cell phone battery and laptop in advance as there are few spots at the airport for your plugs and they are scooped up quickly. Planning ahead will make the day of airline travel more enjoyable and you can catch up on interesting reading or work assignments if you think out what you need in advance.
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