Traveling is an exciting adventure from the moment you decide on a destination. However, there’s one not-so-exciting factor that we all must encounter to get to our final destination, and that’s TSA.
Technically known as Transportation Security Administration, they are the people that hold authority over the security of the traveling public in and out of the United States.
Although, we can all greatly appreciate their services, some of us dread the long-waited lines and man-handling of our most precious cargo. Need to make your trip a smooth one?
Check Out These 6 Tips to Expediting Your Time Through TSA:
1. Opt for the metal detector
If handicap, injured or with child/children, you can request to go through the metal detector. Not only will you avoid the line for the full-body scan, but for children, they will save time as they do not require them to take off their shoes.
2. Put questionable items at the top of your bag
When you pack items you’re not too sure will set off their alarm when they do a bag check, your best bet is to just pack these items at the top of your bag before you get to the airport.
Questionable items like solid soaps, powder, electronics, hair tools, and food, that are not necessarily discouraged for carry-on, should just be packed at the top of your bag. This way you can easily take them out and place them in a separate bin or if selected for bag check, they don’t have to rummage through all of your precise folding.
3. Simple is best
This is the time for joggers and loose-fitting clothes. Leave the heels, fancy belts, double chains, and bracelets in the bag. Go for easy-in and easy-out clothing to expedite your time.
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4. Choose your footwear wisely
Lacing shoes, zipping boots, and clasping heels take up time. Wear slip-on boots, slides, sandals, mules or flip-flops if the weather permits. With slides and mules, you can even double them up with socks if you tend to get cold on the plane.
Besides, who wants to be running through the airport in heels when they’re cutting it close to boarding time?
5. Be ready when it’s your turn
This just might be everyone’s pet peeve. Being unprepared to load your bins is the absolute worse. Be sure to take off your headphones, end your phone call, or stop your chatting before you make it to the bins. Don’t be that guy.
6. TSA Pre-Check
When all else fails, dish out the money and just pay for the TSA Pre-Check. With a 5-year, $85 membership, you can speed through security and you don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets. Win!
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
