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Many travelers have to waste time queuing for the screeners at
the airport. This is unavoidable and it is the front line
personnel that you see as you make your way toward the gate are
just the worker bees. They're not Congress and they're not the
big wig decision makers. If at times they seem like robots,
deviating very little from their spcheel, it's because they have
procedures that they must follow and deviating from the standard
operation procedure is not an option.
There are a number of things you can do yourself to speed things
along. Listed below are the top ten tips to help your visit to
the airport security checkpoint hassle-free.
1. Don't wear pants or suspenders that contain a lot of metal.
If you can't remove the metal prior to passing through the metal
detector, you'll be sent for additional screening, thus
increasing your wait time.
2. Laptop computers and video cameras that use cassette tapes,
not digital cameras, need to come out of their carrying case
prior to passing through the x-ray machine. Have these items out
of the case before you reach the table to divest your items.
3. Wear tennis shoes or known airport friendly footwear so
you'll avoid setting off the alarm on the walk through metal
detector. Often the screeners will encourage you to take your
shoes off before passing through the metal detector. What many
passengers fail to recognize is that many, many shoe
manufacturers place steel shanks (supports) in the souls of the
shoes. Just because you don't see metal, doesn't mean they are
metal-free.
4. If you have an inkling that your belt buckle or larger metal
watch may set off the metal detector, remove them while you're
waiting in line and have them ready to place into a bin.
5. Have your boarding pass and government issued photo ID
readily available. Some airports have someone checking your
boarding pass and ID as you first approach your concourse, then
shortly thereafter there is another employee asking for the same
thing. Actually they may be asking for the same thing, but these
employees, often one a federal employee and one a private
company employee, while looking at the same thing, aren't
looking for the same thing. Each person has a different role to
fill. If you have to dig in your purse or wallet for these
items, that will increase the wait time. Ensure your boarding
pass is pulled out of the airline envelope.
6. Only undeveloped film with a speed of 800 or higher should be
hand checked. All other disposable cameras, film of 100, 200 or
400 speed and digital cameras are safe to pass through the
x-ray. Know your film speed before reaching the x-ray machine.
7. Leave all tools, Swiss army knives, pointed end scissors, and
bladed corkscrews in your checked bag. You may not bring them
onboard the aircraft in your carry-on bags. If your bag must be
searched to find these items, it's definitely going to increase
your wait time.
8. Strollers and pet carriers need to pass through the x-ray
machine. Remove your children and pets from this equipment prior
to reaching the x-ray.
9. Most small jewelry such as rings, necklaces and earrings will
not set off the alarm. Don't bother wasting time removing them.
10. Yes your fanny pack, hidden money belt and wallet on a
string around your neck must pass through the x-ray, have it
ready to place into a bin.
With this method, you can pass the metal detector easily without
much checking from the officers. When you fly next time, use
these strategies and try having fun by being prepared!
About the author:
George Williams maintains a number of metal detector websites,
including Metal
Detecting, Metal Detector
Secrets ,and Metal Detectors
Information.
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