Airport Screening for New First Time Flyers
Going Through Security Checks for First Flight, Know What to Expect
It’s not hard to have a great first time flying experience. It takes advance planning, an understanding of the carry-on luggage rules, and awareness of what's required to get through security in record time.
The New Airport Security Screening Rules
The tragedy of 9-11 completely changed airline travel convenience, and not for the better for passengers. In the US, the Transportation Security Administration, TSA for short, now dictates what can and can’t be carried through airport security checks onto the plane. Every passenger needs a government issued photo ID and a boarding pass to get through airport security checks. A passport is acceptable.
The new 3-1-1 for carry-on rule is the one that gives new flyers the most trouble; passengers can take aboard liquids, gels and creams that are in bottles containing 3.4 ounces or less. All liquids must be placed in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; each person is allowed 1 bag only. Baby food, medications and formula or breast milk are exempt from the 3-1-1 carry-on rule, as long as the TSA screener is aware of them.
Carry-on luggage cannot contain any sharp objects, weapon, guns, flammable items, martial arts weapons, or tools, unless the tools are under 7 inches in length. Lighters with no fluid are also allowed.Carry-on luggage rules limit to a certain size and shape. There’s a metal testing box right outside the entrance to security; if the luggage fits inside it, it’s okay to carry-on. Medical equipment, such as a CPAP machine, will be checked by the TSA screener.
What to Expect at Airport Security Checks
The first step in clearing airport security is to show a boarding pass and photo ID to the TSA screener. The TSA screener will make a small mark on the boarding pass that indicates whether or not extra screening will be done at the metal detector. People are singled out for a number of reasons for additional screening: their name, nervous behavior, or because they’re the fifteenth person in the line. Sometimes it’s just a mystery.
The conveyor belts that carry checked luggage through the security x-ray scanner will be right ahead. Every passenger needs to take their coat and shoes off, and place them in a bin. Wearing slip on shoes makes getting through the security checkpoint a little faster; don’t forget to wear socks, since the security area floors can get quite dirty.
Wheelchairs, stroller, car seats and other heavy duty equipment all need to be screened, but they may not fit on the belt, so a TSA screener might check them separately. Purses, laptop cases and other carry-on luggage need to be placed flat on the belt; laptops must be out of their case and in a bin. There are special laptop bags on the market that open up so the laptop doesn’t need to be removed before it goes through the x-ray scanner.
The bag with liquids in it needs to be in the bin; it’s not a bad idea to put cameras, cell phones and other electronic devices in the bin so they don’t attract extra scrutiny. Keys and change from pockets go in a small bowl; these are usually found right at the entrance to the metal detector. Food can be brought through security, as long as it’s not liquid, but expect it to draw extra scrutiny.
Don’t walk through the metal detector until all items have gone into the x-ray scanner; have boarding pass in hand to show the TSA screener. Picture IDs are not required at this point. If the machine beeps, expect to be asked to empty pockets. Being pulled into a small area for additional screening is to be expected if the alarm keeps going off. People with metal devices from surgery can set off the machine, so be sure to let the agent know. People wearing casts or splints will be pulled for extra screening; the cast and skin around it will be tested for traces of explosives.
What to Do if Pulled for Extra Airport Security Screening
Don’t panic! Additional screening is very common. Do whatever the TSA screener says to do; cracking jokes or being a smart alec could be a very costly mistake. Expect to be asked to stand with arms straight out; the TSA screener will wave the wand over the skin or clothing. Women can asked to be checked by a female if that’s more comfortable. Remember that agents are just doing their job; they’re not trying to annoy people.
Being Comfortable With Airport Security Screening
Airport security checks are now a permanent part of the flying experience. Knowing what to expect and paying attention to the carry-on rules make getting through airport security screening a breeze. Don’t forget to bring a government issue photo ID and a quart sized zip top bag for liquids. Stay calm, don’t get flustered or angry, and don’t make jokes of any kind about security, and getting through airport security will be painless.
TSA Screeners Help Passengers Through Security
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