Tips to help you save time and headaches
Business travelers are the best when it comes to getting through airport security. These savvy sleuths have figured out the loopholes and corners to cut that expedite the jaunt from check-in to airline seat. No doubt those in the flooring business are well traveled, to say the least. FCNews has a few travel experts on hand, as well. If you’re heading to Las Vegas to attend Surfaces this year, you might want to cross reference your travel regime with ours to make sure you’re getting through the security line with as little fuss (and pat-downs) as possible:
Dress appropriately
Wear slip-on shoes if possible, and avoid items with metal buckles and buttons. Don’t head to the checkpoint with lots of layers on; you’ll only have to strip them off and really hold up the line. Remove jackets/bulky sweaters while you’re waiting in line. Be sure to empty your pockets of keys, phones/PDAs and change before you get to the x-ray machine. It’s advisable to carry little, or no, change at all to eliminate setting off the machine or having to shake all of your coins out of the plastic bin.
Pack Smart
Know what you can (and can’t) carry onboard by making yourself familiar with TSA regulations. Layer items neatly in your suitcase and keep your plastic bag of toiletries/liquids in an outer pocket so you can grab it quickly. If you by chance have a bottle of cologne or liquids that exceed the regulations, be prepared to either throw them away or check your bag, which will only add more time to your trip as you wait for your bags when you arrive at your destination.
Get a Security-Friendly Laptop Bag
Holding your briefcase in your teeth as you hold your laptop in one hand and a plastic bin in the other is now avoidable. The Transportation Security Administration is now allowing business travelers regulated computer bags that meet new “checkpoint friendly” standards, allowing you to leave your laptop in your bag when going through security. Zip it open, put it on the belt, and you’re done.
Avoid Peak Travel Times
Sometimes unavoidable, but if you can plan your travels to avoid the peak airport times (6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.), your chances of getting through security faster will improve. During particular times of the year — holidays, spring break season, special sporting events — will always be bad, so prepare yourself for the agitation ahead of time.
But above all, remember to pack your patience…and use it! A smile will get you a lot farther with a TSA agent than a sneer.
SAFE TRAVELS!