Remember when the airport was just a shopping mall with planes?

Those days are gone.  In our previous segments Travel Problems Solved, Part 1 and Part 2, we covered booking cruises, flights, hotels and vacation rentals.  Even how to get or renew a passport in 24 hours!

The next step towards vacation usually involves flying.  The following tips and reminders were compiled to make your next trip through the airport as easy as possible.   Because these days the airport can be a frustrating place.

Courtesy: Bakar 88

How to prepare for your next flight.

• Before even heading to the airport, confirm how early you need to be there.  Check the airline’s website or call.  And take the time seriously.  No longer are you allowed to squeak in as the plane is trying to close its door.  Different    airlines and airports have different rules.  Find out what yours are.

• Don’t wear clothing that contains large metal buttons or buckles.

• Ladies–don’t wear an underwire bra to the airport.  The metal in this type of bra may be enough to set off the sensor.  This could result in additional screening.

• Women and men–before even arriving at the airport remove any jewelry, body piercings, barrettes, coins, keys or timepiece. Place them in a baggie inside your carry-on.  Once you’ve made it through security, put them back on.  This simple step reduces the chance of setting off the sensor.  Why?  Because when a line of people is waiting for you to empty your pockets and take off your jewelry…you tend to miss things.

• Try to place liquids in checked luggage.  If they must be in your carry-on make sure they follow the 3-1-1 rule: Liquids must be contained in a 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume).  They should be placed in a 1 quart zip-top bag.  And this is limited to 1 bag per traveler.  Then remember to place your liquids bag in the security bin!

• Wear shoes that are easily removed.  Don’t be the guy trying to get off a pair of lace-up boots.  Or the women with the multi-buckle sandals.  Easy off–Easy on.

• As for clothing, if you can wear simple good fitting clothes.  Those wearing jackets are usually asked to remove them.  And if you are wearing loose clothing you may face additional screening.  The reason–someone could potentially be hiding a dangerous item under loose clothes or a jacket.

• If you can, avoid wearing large belt buckles on travel days.  Or if you must wear one, take it off in the security line and place in screening bin.

• Don’t place boarding pass in screening bin!  The TSA officer will need to see your boarding pass as you pass through the detector.  If you don’t have it, they must stop the screening belt and find your ticket.  If we all had a nickel for every time we saw this happen….  Bottom line–don’t let it happen to you.

• For bonus points, keep carry-on items to a minimum.  Only pack what you need to make it through the flight.  The more crowded your carry-on, the longer it takes to be examined.

Hopefully these tips will help make your next trip to the airport as uneventful as possible.  Until next time…Safe travels!

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