by T'Shurah Dove

Created on: January 25, 2009

If I had to choose one thing in the world that I hated more than anything, it would be going through airport security. Yes, I totally understand why the practice is performed and it's for public safety, but the process can be dreadful at times. Why dreadful you ask? Well, I used the word dreadful because I ALWAYS get stuck in a line with those who are not frequent travelers. You know, those who are unaware of TSA's guidelines and restrictions. So my two minute line experience become longer than what it needs to be.

As a frequent business traveler, I know the airport security line do's and don't like the back of my hand. I know that everyone doesn't have the "pleasure" of frequent business travel and so I try not to become too impatient with what I call the " non-traveler." So I would like to share a few tidbits for those who do not travel regularly. These tips will make your trip through the security lines much smoother and the frequent traveler behind you will appreciate the both of us for it.

If you don't know, you better ask somebody!

- If this is your first trip to the airport and you are unsure of what is allowed in a carry on, ask someone. You can call the customer service department to the airline that you are traveling on. They will provide you with all of the answers you have questions to. They will tell you how many ounces you are allowed in a bag, what is considered a threat and what isn't, what size bag is considered a carry on, etc.

You can find it on the web!

-Feel free to check the airport or airline's website for information on travel tips. These sites may also show maps of the airline wing that you are flying out of or into, give you ground transportation options, baggage claim information, airport car rental locations inside or outside of the airport, and food and shopping information. You may even find printable/down loadable coupons.

Dress for it!

-Depending on the season, it is easier to dress light for your passage to the other side ( the actual airport gate). The more you have to take off, the longer the line is held up. I find that wearing footwear that is easy to slip on and off is ideal. You wont have to worry about unlacing your shoes and going through the hassle of lacing them back up in somewhere in an empty corner. If the weather calls for several layers of clothing, start unzipping, unbuttoning, and peeling bigger articles of clothing while you are moving towards the scanning belt.

Be Prepared!

-It is easier to have your credentials ready

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