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Stay on Top of New Airport Security Measures

You’re ready to go to the airport. After sitting on your overstuffed suitcase to make it close, you lock it, then you pull on your boots, sling your golf clubs over your shoulder, and head out the door. Under this scenario, with the new airport security rules, you could be delayed due to further screening. New passenger checkpoint screening procedures which went into effect in September 2004 give US security agents greater discretion in deciding which passengers will undergo additional screening. Some things send up red flags for check-in agents. You should know that if you are traveling on a last-minute ticket, a one-way fare, or you paid with cash at the airport, you may be asked some additional questions at check-in.

Here are some tips to help you get through airport security as smoothly as possible and keep screening times to a minimum:

1) Before leaving for the airport

This may sound obvious, but how you dress can mean the difference between breezing through security or being red flagged. Clothing and accessories containing metal will set off the metal detector and may result in additional screening. Pack anything containing metals—such as coins, keys, phones, pagers—in your carry-on baggage, and avoid wearing metal jewellery and hair accessories, clothing with metal buttons and clasps, belt buckles, and for women, underwire bras. Keep metal objects to a minimum.

Note that new rules also require you to remove your coat or jacket for X-ray. To save time, you can pack your outer-wear in your carry-on or do so before the checkpoint.

By packing properly, you make the screeners’ job easier and decrease your chances of being delayed. Check baggage size and weight restriction with your airline before packing. Many airlines now have stricter rules about carry-ons. Thought you might finish a little sewing on board? Sorry, metal pointed scissors (and any sharp objects such as metal nail files, corkscrews, Swiss Army knives) are prohibited in carry-on baggage. If in doubt, leave it out or check with your federal transportation authority what’s permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

In addition to your carry-on bag, you’re allowed an additional personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer.  Make sure your electronics are in working order, because you may be asked to turn them on for inspection. Also, label all your electronics, such as cell phones, laptops, pagers and CD players, so you can easily identify them from among other passengers’ items.

Now, about those boots… Your footwear might be of interest to security screeners.  If you approach the walk-through metal detector wearing boots, platform shoes, shoes with a thick sole or heel, or shoes containing metal, screeners may ask you to remove them for additional screening. Even if the metal detector doesn’t sound, agents may pull you aside for more screening. If you must wear shoes of the type listed above, make sure they’re easy to remove (and wear good socks).

To save time have a paper ticket, print out your electronic ticket receipt or boarding pass before you arrive at the airport so you can bypass the ticket counter. Speak to your travel agent on how to arrange this or some airlines have made it possible to print off your boarding pass from your computer.

2) At the airport

Give yourself ample time to arrive at the airport and check in. The general guidelines are 11/2 hours for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights. For flights on holidays allow extra time. You need photo ID and a boarding pass to get to your gate. For domestic flights you must have photo ID issued by a state/provincial or federal government agency or two forms of non-photo ID, one which has been issued by state/provincial or federal authority. For international flights, you are required to show a valid passport, visa or any other necessary documentation.

3) Passing through security

Before getting to your departure gate, you will be required to pass through a security checkpoint which includes an X-ray of your carry-on baggage, a walk through the metal detector, and, if chosen for additional screening, a hand-wand, pat-down, and explosives inspection. If your electronics are being inspected, do not try to assist the screener. Never make jokes or conversation about bombs, guns, weapons, terrorism or explosives. Agents are trained to treat any such comments as real threats however you intended such remarks. Remain silent, unless required to answer a question from the agent.

Note that some passengers may undergo additional screening at the departure gate. Remember, these inspections are designed to ensure the safety of you and your fellow passengers. Be cooperative with screeners and allow them to do their job.

Having passed through security, you’re now ready to board your flight!