Tips on Smoothing Our Way Through Airport Security??

[Bill From PA]

This will be our first flight under tightened security and I'd appreciate advice on what to do/not do to in order to just get the heck on the plane and get to MCO. We'll take no carry-on luggage, maybe even packing the wife's purse in our luggage, we'll wear sandals and shorts since it'll probably be 80 degrees when we land and I don't think anyone will mistake us for a sheik and his harem, but are there other things I'm missing that could cause a hassle?



Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[CarolA]

I would not be worried about the purse.

1. Take no knives or anything like that in pockets.
2. Take ALL the change, cell phones, etc out of your pockets and put them through the metal detector on one of those trays.
3. Do NOT check film. If your luggage gets selected for x-ray your film is toast.
4. Wear slip on-off shoes
5. If you do get selected for screening, be nice; don't complain and don't make jokes.

 

[peg2001]

Please re-consider checking your wife's purse. All valuables (including cash, credit cards, etc.) and medications should be carried on with you. Theft can and does happen from checked baggage. She will need to have her photo ID with her, too, and I would hate for it to be accidently packed in checked baggage!

You are on the right track, though. Minimize how much you have to carry on with you. One small bag is no problem, however. It is not much different than how it used to be to get through security. You put your bags, purses, etc. on the conveyor and step through the metal detector. People are randomly (supposedly, I have my doubts) chosen to be checked more carefully but this is very minimally time consuming. If chosen, you will have your carry-ons hand searched, you will be wanded, and you will be asked to remove your shoes for inspection. This takes less than 5 minutes. It is not a big hassle at all. Do it cheerfully.

The first time I traveled after 9/11, I went through the regular security checks and just stood there, waiting for whatever was to come next. The security folks finally noticed me and said that was it and I could continue to my gate. haha.

Think through everything you pack in a carry on. Could it possibly be conceived as a threat/weapon? Don't pack anything sharp. It MAY be difficult to bring open drinks (coffee, soda) through so it is best to buy this once you are through security.

Peggy

 

[Eeyore1954]

I travel on business a lot and since 9/11 here's what I've learned to do:

1) Have your ticket and photo ID in your hand, ready to show it to anyone

2) Listen carefully to all instructions. If you do not understand, politely ask them to repeat it.

3) Empty your pockets, including your wallet. I've found some metal detectors will be set off by credit cards. Take off watches.

4) Put all cell phones on the conveyor for x-ray. They shouldn't be turned on. If they see a cell phone in your baggage, you may be pulled aside.

 

[Bill From PA]

Thanks, all! I've altered my plans based on advice received here. Eeyore1954, aka Steve, I see we'll probably be almost neighbors for a while in Nov. If you see the disreputable character shown in the picture below, be sure to say 'Hi'. We tend to find ourselves in the Rose & Crown for a few cold ones every afternoon.


Bill From PA

 

[Eeyore1954]

Bill: LOL! My DW & I don't usually frequent R&C, but I will keep an eye open for a fellow disreputable character. Hopefully, I'll get through security without being strip searched this time! (Seriously, I had this done TWICE in Detroit -- on a flight to Chicago! Arrgh!)