by C.J. Dawson

Created on: January 28, 2009

With the security regulations as stringent as they are, it is crucial to plan your flying wardrobe beforehand in order to ensure getting through security with ease. So let's start from the ground up.

Shoes: Perhaps the most annoying to have to take off and put back on are shoes. We've all been there, right? We wear the wrong shoes and the line piles up behind us as we take off our shoes and then have to find a place to put them back on at the end. The key here is to wear shoes that will easily slip on and off. This may seem like an obvious idea, but you'd be surprised by how many wear difficult shoes.

Socks: Again, this may sound silly, but I have had the experience of walking across the security checkpoint floor in my bare feet. Not something I would recommend. So, wear shoes that allow for socks. And make sure that you wouldn't be embarrassed of your socks (holes, stains, and so on).

Pants: Wear comfortable pants or skirt so that you can move easily. Remember that through the security checkpoint, you will be bending over and leaning to collect your personals at the end.

Belt: If you can, avoid the belt. It is just a hassle to feel like you have to get undressed while going though the security checkpoint. This is also something I have experienced, and, not to mention, I really NEEDED the belt. Let's just say that it was a tad awkward having to hold up my pants the entire time.

Shirts: Just like the pants, wear a comfortable shirt. And make sure that if you are wearing a sweater or a jacket that you are comfortable with what you have underneath it because you'll have to walk through security without it.

Jewelry: Most of the time you won't need to take off your jewelryexcept usually men's watcheswhile going through security. But if you want to make sure, just put your jewelry in your purse or carry-on and just put it all on after you get through security.

And if you want to be even more prepared, before getting to the security checkpoint, take out your laptop. Laptops are required to be taken out of their case and placed in a separate security bin from your other belongings. When it is time to collect your items on the other end, you'll just have to slip on your shoes, put your laptop back in the case, grab your belongings, and you're on your way to your next destination.

Flying doesn't have to be as strenuous as some people make it. The key is to simplify your outfit and you can sail right through security without much problem. Happy Flying!

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