10 Conveinent Tips!

In an era of heightened security, it is important to be a savvy and prepared traveler who can navigate airport security checkpoints.

We've put together a helpful travelers' checklist for you.

10 convenient tips to help you smoothly move through airport security.

1. Check the Permitted and Prohibited Items list on the TSA web site.
2. As you head toward the security area, take a deep breath and remain calm. Check and be sure you have your boarding pass and a government-issued photo identification card ready for security personnel.
3. Place valuables (jewelry, cash, laptop computers, and cash) only in carry-on baggage.
4. Before you get to the screening checkpoint, place your mobile phones, keys, loose change, money clips, PDAs, lighters, and metal accessories in your carry-on bag.
5. At the screening station, remove your laptop from its case and send it through the X-ray machine in its own plastic tray. Don't forget to label your laptop computer with your name, address and telephone number.
6. Store all undeveloped film and cameras containing film in your carry-on baggage. Ask for a hand inspection if you want to ensure that the X-ray machine does not damage your film.
7. If you are bringing a gift to friends or relatives, wrap it after you arrive at your destination. Otherwise, you might have to unwrap it to pass through security---even if it is in checked luggage.
8. Avoid carrying bottles of liquid through the screening checkpoint.
9. Take your time unpacking and repacking your belongings. If not, you may leave your laptop, keys, or wallet behind.
10. Be prepared to remove your shoes and belt.

Knowing What to Pack and How to Pack It Can Reduce Security Delays

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (link- www.tsa.gov/public/) offers the following packing advice and security information for airline travelers:

Carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage you take on the airplane with you. You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case.

TSA will screen any "carry-on" baggage that will fit through the X-ray machine, but it is up to each airline to determine whether the baggage fits the size restrictions for your flight. It is important to check with your airline before you proceed through the security checkpoints

Label your laptop computer. Tape a business card or other identifying information beneath your laptop to avoid loss or accidental "exchange" by travelers.

Checked Baggage is luggage you check in at the ticket counter or at curbside. It will not be accessible during your flight. TSA advises travelers not to lock checked baggage, but if you must lock it to use a TSA accepted and recognized lock. If your baggage sets off an alarm and TSA cannot gain access to your checked bag, an unrecognized lock may be broken.

Here are tips for packing your checked baggage that will help to simplify your trip and ensure that your checked bag gets on the flight with you:

• Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it.
• Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage. This will make it easier for security to check your footwear.
• Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations.
• Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
• Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.

The following general packing tips apply to both carry-on and checked baggage, and will help you to move through the screening process more quickly:

• Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. Check TSA web site for list.
• Put all undeveloped film, and cameras with film, in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than 5 times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.
• Check ahead of time with your airline or travel agent to determine the airline's baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and size and weight limitations.
• Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item (1+1).
• Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1.
• Don't forget to place identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well.
• Avoid overpacking so that your articles don't spill out if your bag is opened for inspection.
• Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on baggage. The screeners may have to open your bag and examine its contents.
• Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
• Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.