Can I have some tips on going through airport security?

[traces7]

I've only flown once before and that was 20 years ago, so I need some help on exactly what happens when you go through security. I mostly don't want to do anything dumb that holds up other people in line.
I know that you have to take off your shoes and empty out your pockets and not wear anything metal right? Do they search your purse and carry-on by hand or is it just put through the x-ray machine?
Where do you put things like keys and loose change?
Is there anything else that I would need to take out of my purse or carry-on to avoid setting off any alarms or whatever would happen?
I know the rules about liquids, etc. I'm just not taking any of that on the plane with me.
Is there anything else I should be aware of and do or not do? It's just me and my DD, who's 7 going on this trip. It's my 2nd time flying and her first. So, we're both a little nervous. So, sorry if these are dumb questions, it's all new to me! Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Tara]

1. Yes, you will need to take off your shoes and place them on the belt to be x-rayed. There are bins you can put them in, or they can go directly on the belt.
2. If you are wearing a coat or blazer, you'll need to take this off as well. The coat can go in the same bin as your shoes.
3. I've never had to remove my jewelry or belt to go through the metal detector. I don't carry my keys in my pocket, either. There are small bowls to put pocket change, keys, and anything else metal you might have in your pockets. These bins go on the conveyor belt to go through the machine, too.
4. If you have a laptop with you, you will need to take it out of whatever it's in and put it in its own bin to be x-rayed.
5. Any approved liquids or gels must be in a quart-sized ziploc bag. Individual items can be no more than 3oz each. More information about this and what is permitted can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/9-25_updated_passenger_guidance.shtm
6. Unless you are selected for special screening, your bags will go through the x-ray machine so that TSA workers can see what's inside. Occasionally they'll pull a bag to swab it to test for chemicals often used in explosives. This is a very short test. Special screening means you are pulled to the side and your bag is hand inspected.

Hope this helps -- have fun!

 

[bicker]

Probably the best advice for smoothing the process is to declutter your carry-ons, including your purse. Make sure it has the fewest number of different things in it as possible. The less you have with you, the less eventful your passage through security will be.

 

[salmoneous]

Going through security is not that hard. Basically, everything expect your immediate layer of clothes goes through the metal detectors. They have bins now - about the size of a small cafeteria tray with 3-4 inch high sides. Put everything you have in the bins (including coats, newspapers, purses, the contents of your pockets, etc.) put your bins into the x-ray machine, walk up to the metal detector, wait for the security guy to waive you through, then grab your stuff, put on your shoes, and you are good to go.

Having said that, you do need to keep two things with you rather than put them through the x-ray machine. They sometimes want to see your boarding pass and/or ID (even though somebody else just looked at them 10 second ago when you got into the security line).

When you get to the security area, it may seem a bit chaotic. And some of us gripe a lot about the TSA screening. But it's really pretty organized and everything goes smoothly the vast majority of the time. So, don't worry about it. Just a minor delay on your way to WDW!

 

[Tikitoi]

Will they make you empty your pockets as well? Because I am thinking I dont want my cash in my purse since it will most likely end up going through before me, since you have to put it on that belt. So, god forbid if I get held up and my purse is sitting there not being watched. So, because of this I'd rather keep my cash (paper of course), as well as my cc's in my pocket, that's why I'm wondering will I have to empty them? 2 months

 

[LoveMickey]

DH has to take off his belt, it sets off the alarm every time. And it is not a large buckle belt either. Don't know why but he sets it off.

You cannot take any type of nail file on board. An emery board is OK, but not the metal ones. Also I had an eye glass repair kit that was taken from me going into jury duty once.

You'll see what everyone else is doing, taking off and go with the crowds.

Oh - quarters, I used to take rolls of quarters to do laundry, the xray machine will see this, just make sure they are in a convenient spot, so the TSA can take them out and look at them.

Make sure you have your ID and boarding pass handy as you enter the line for security, they do not let you into the line until they match boarding pass to picture ID to your face.

 

[bicker]

The only things you need to empty from your pockets are metal objects.

 

[salmoneous]

So, god forbid if I get held up and my purse is sitting there not being watched.

Keep in mind that your purse is going to be surrounded by a dozen or so security guards keeping a close eye on anything that happens. I don't have the slightest worry about putting a bag with all my money and cc through the scanner.

But if it makes you feel better, you only have to empty your pockets of anything with metal. Since metal turns up in unexpected places, it's best just to dump everything and not have to worry. But you can keep paper money and cc's in your pocket if you want.

 

[CPT Tripss]

If by cash, you mean bills, then you can keep them in your pocket. Since you will probably have checked baggage, I would limit the amount of carry on the ease the process.
Because you never know where the screeners hands have been, ask that he/she put on fresh gloves before any hands on examination of personnal effects or a "pat down." The odds are against this happening, but...

 

[MariDisney]

DH has to take off his belt, it sets off the alarm every time. And it is not a large buckle belt either. Don't know why but he sets it off.

You cannot take any type of nail file on board. An emery board is OK, but not the metal ones. Also I had an eye glass repair kit that was taken from me going into jury duty once.

You'll see what everyone else is doing, taking off and go with the crowds.

Oh - quarters, I used to take rolls of quarters to do laundry, the xray machine will see this, just make sure they are in a convenient spot, so the TSA can take them out and look at them.

Make sure you have your ID and boarding pass handy as you enter the line for security, they do not let you into the line until they match boarding pass to picture ID to your face.

Good advice!! I did check the TSA site, though, and it lists nail files as allowed, so I'm not sure about that one.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Get shoes that you can just slip on and slip off, no laces. Plus, wear socks. You're walking without shoes for a good little distance (depending on the airport), so if the floor is wet or cold, your feet will be, too. At least with socks your feet don't get so cold.

 

[jjarman]

What about digital cameras? Specifically the memory cards. Should I just slip those into my pocket?

 

[CarolA]

Keep in mind that your purse is going to be surrounded by a dozen or so security guards keeping a close eye on anything that happens. I don't have the slightest worry about putting a bag with all my money and cc through the scanner.

But if it makes you feel better, you only have to empty your pockets of anything with metal. Since metal turns up in unexpected places, it's best just to dump everything and not have to worry. But you can keep paper money and cc's in your pocket if you want.

You are more trusting then I am. There have been reports of "purses" walking off and I know someone whose laptop walked off.

Those security gurards are NOT watching your stuff to make sure that only YOU pick it up. I will not go thru the screening machine until my stuff has gone into the scanner. If I am pulled for scanning I request that my stuff be moved to within my sight. (They are suppose to do this, but you have to ask normally)

 

[DVC Grammy]

Because I usually set off the alarms (hip replacement), my DH and I don't go through together...........he goes one or two people ahead so that my purse, the laptop, and any carryon is coming through after he's cleared. This way, while I'm waiting to be "wanded", he has secured our stuff.
I know that this isn't possible with solo travel, or with a young child, but if there is more than one "responsible-aged" person in your party, I highly recommend doing this for your peace of mind.

 

[goofy4tink]

Try to take as little with you for carryon as you can get away with. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily. Wear socks!!! Keep your boarding pass with you...do not put it in your carryon.

 

[tn4mickey]

Our digital camera is always in a carry on bag and we send it through the xray machine with no problems. The only thing you need to worry about is film.

 

[RachelEllen]

Keep in mind that your purse is going to be surrounded by a dozen or so security guards keeping a close eye on anything that happens. I don't have the slightest worry about putting a bag with all my money and cc through the scanner.

I hate to disagree with this, but, unfortunately, there are bad apples everywhere. We have had things stolen from luggage and know friends who have as well. I politely insist that I keep my bags within view at all times, and I have never had a problem.

 

[bicker]

Those security gurards are NOT watching your stuff to make sure that only YOU pick it up.

This is a good point. Their job is to make sure nothing harmful gets in, not that nothing gets stolen. There is an inherent risk associated with going through security at the airport -- there always has been -- and that risk gets worse the more selfish and transgressive the general population becomes. You are responsible for protecting your own property from theft, even while being prohibited from the free-access to the property necessary to provide that protection. Be sure to factor this added risk you're assuming into your decision to bring whatever you bring.

 

[goofy4tink]

The thing that I do, and this only works if you are flying with at least one other person, is to go last in the group. My dd goes first, then me. That way, she can keep a lookout for my purse if I get held up. I follow with the bag that has the most stuff in it...my purse goes in front of that bag, so dd can grab it when it comes out. The other thing you can do, if possible, is to put your purse inside your carryon. That way it isn't 'out in the open'.

 

[starwishing]

OK, how about medicine's (perscription meds) do you check them or take them in carry on??? Do they have to be in a clear plastic bag?? (I know that I have to carry them in the original bottle) Gosh, I would hate to lose my meds if I checked them in.