How To Get Through Airport Security Quickly And Easily

Other posts by DesertMama

Next month the airports will be bouncing with spring breakers which means lines will be long and passing through airport security will be tedious. Not only do you have to worry about arriving at the airport on time, you should also be wary of your items as you walk through the metal detector and your belongings pass through the x-rays. Here are a few tips and product suggestions to help your airport experience go smoothly and ensure your items are returned to your possession:

1. Organize your devices. Not long ago I saw a teenager passing through security. He took his iPod off and threw it in a bucket with his backpack. His belt (see next item) set off the metal detector and by they time he was finished being screened the poor guy’s iPod vanished – even though the TSA workers pulled his container as soon as they realized he needed additional screening. Always tuck your devices into your bag or use Kangaroom Storage’s Personal Media Case – an ideal way to pack your phone, iPod and other personal media devices. The cases are compact, padded and so convenient (you can even charge your devices without removing them from the case!). The compact case contains a zipper bag inside the lid, which can be used to separately store transformers – and just think how organized your carry-on will be!

2. Think about whether you really need a belt. Belts are a major security slow-down item. You have to take it off, go through screening, then experience the hassle of putting it on again – all while hoping to catch all the loops. If you can’t forgo a belt try the new product called isABelt and hisABelt. These clear metal-free belts let you whiz right through screening with out the hassle of having to remove your belt.

3. Wear slip-on shoes. When I travel with the family I make Crocs a mandatory item for their easy slip on/off feature. (Stay tuned for more about these great-for-the-whole-family travel shoes.)

4. Put your jewelry in a holder. The next slowdown after belts is heavy watches and jewelry and refusing to remove these items pretty much guarantees a second security screening. Instead of risking losing precious items, use a holder like Gemvelopes. These little pouches are the cutest way to keep track of your jewelry while traveling and ideal for getting though security. These stylish, travel-sized pouches have a cushion to hold stud earrings, a strap for rings, necklaces or watches, plus a pocket for bracelets or other items. It’s also the perfect gift for a Traveling Mama! (See photo below – adorable, huh?)

5. Pre-bag your liquids and medicine. Soon this airport security rule will be a thing of the past, but until then have your 3oz gels and liquids ready for screening before arriving at the airport. (Remember it’s 3-1-1: 3oz, one quart bag and one per person.)

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February 3, 2009 | Filed Under Family Travel, Flying High, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, The Cookie Jar 

Comments

14 Responses to “How To Get Through Airport Security Quickly And Easily”

  1. jamie says:
    February 3, 2009 at

    I never even thought about the theft factor in “security”. Bummer!

  2. gear guy says:
    February 3, 2009 at

    Very helpful piece! You don’t even have to use a dedicated gadget holder to keep all that stuff together. I use a small toiletry kit from L.L. Bean and it works great. Holds all the cords, chargers, a small Skype headset, portable battery charger, thumb drive, etc. all together.

    Also, there’s a great belt that Eagle Creek makes that is not only metal-free, but it has a zipper compartment in the back where you can stuff in a few Ben Franklins and keep them next to your body. Here’s a review of it:
    http://practicaltravelgear.blogspot.com/2007/12/all-terrain-money-belt-from-eagle-creek.html

  3. wandermom says:
    February 3, 2009 at

    Yay for slip-on shoes!
    Seriously, thanks for recommending the Kangaroom Storage’s Personal Media Case. I’m off to pick up a couple of those – I know they’ll come in handy when we travel next month.

  4. Barbara Techel says:
    February 3, 2009 at

    I did not think of the theft thing either when you are going through the check in. Yikes! These are all great travel tips, Beth!
    ~Barbara
    http://www.joyfulpaws.com

  5. Prill Boyle says:
    February 3, 2009 at

    Great tips. Love the 3-1-1 rule. I’ve done a ton of traveling over the past five years and all your advice is spot-on.

  6. Allyn Evans says:
    February 3, 2009 at

    I can’t wait for “old” liquid rules are obsolete! Last trip I was one of those folks who slowed things down. I didn’t remember sticking a tube of toothpaste in my carryon bag. They couldn’t find it because I had carefully (but unwittingly) hidden it. After several run throughs and questions, I remembered! “Oh yeah.”

    I arrived at my destination without toothpaste! Bummer. At least that wasn’t as bad as watching people pour/throw away expensive facial creams and makeup!

  7. Nancy D. Brown says:
    February 3, 2009 at

    Add to wish list: Kangaroom Media Storage case.
    Don’t want to have my iPhone vanish.

  8. Globetrotting Bride says:
    February 8, 2009 at

    This is a great list. Slip on shoes or flip flops are a must for me. I love that Gemvelope jewelry bag. So cute and easy to pack.

  9. D says:
    February 9, 2009 at

    What do you mean by…#5. “Soon this airport security rule will be a thing of the past, but until then…” I don’t know where your comment about the liquids rule came from – was it just hopefull thinking?

    The TSA seems proud of their 3-1-1 rule and it’s international acceptance. And in the FAQs, they clearly state, it’s a sustainable level of security, so I don’t expect it to be going away any time soon:

    “Can we expect additional changes to the ban?
    It is unlikely that we will make changes in the near future. These changes represent a sustainable level of security for the TSA, passengers, airports and airlines.”
    [http://www.tsa.gov/press/where_we_stand/liquids_refined.shtm]

    Personally, I think the terrorists have won in the long term, they’ve scared most people and annoyed every traveler for the rest of our lives. I make my own effort to travel freely just to annoy the terrorists and the bureaucrats, who think their rules really make us safer.

    For an excellent book on the reality of security, written from a fact/not fear point of view, I highly recommend: Beyond Fear, http://www.schneier.com/book-beyondfear.html The only thing to fear is what’s statistically likely to occur. You know those terrorists are only asking for attention, so just use a little child psych, give them a time out, ignore them and the bad behaviour will be greatly reduced. Oh yeah, some listening to demands, improving standards of living, education, and mutual respect go a long way for adults.

  10. Dorothy says:
    February 17, 2009 at

    This is my first time on this site. I read the #9 response where it says, “I make my own effort to travel freely just to annoy the terrorists and the bureaucrats, who think their rules really make us safer.”

    Was it you who delayed the security line so long several of us missed our fight? I agree the terrorists have won and the bureaucrats have no idea what really helps with these security checks. Common – they wanded my BARE FEET! and patted down the children because I was in a wheelchair!!! Your choice to “travel freely” is your right however, please keep in mind it also imposes more frustration on your fellow travelers.

  11. Emma says:
    February 19, 2009 at

    Great tips! Also, I love to travel with my CheckFast laptop case from Solo. Solo CheckFast bags meet TSA guidelines, so I can quickly travel through airport security without having to remove my laptop from its case. I don’t want to worry about losing or damaging my laptop!

  12. How To Get Through Airport Security Quickly And Easily | bean bag chairs says:
    June 13, 2009 at

    [...] How To Get Through Airport Security Quickly And Easily Posted by root 6 minutes ago (http://travelingmamas.com) These stylish travel sized pouches have a cushion to hold stud earrings pre bag your liquids and medicine soon this airport security rule will i use a small toiletry kit from l l bean and it works great i don 39 t know where your comment about the liquids Discuss  |  Bury |  News | How To Get Through Airport Security Quickly And Easily [...]

  13. luggage says:
    October 21, 2009 at

    I always seem to get held up in airport security. This seems like it will really help me get past security quicker and with less hassle.

  14. Willaim Wallace says:
    October 28, 2009 at

    A fairly good and practical list, but give me a break, who doesn’t wear a belt and how long does it take to slip it off and put it back on again. Also slip on shoes, how long does it take to tie your shoes laces. I like to wear something comfortable on my feet when flying and crocs don’t fit the bill. Save them for the beach.

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