TSA On Luggage Etiquette And Body Scanners

With today's post I would like to share my thoughts about TSA and their efforts to keep the air safe.  My first topic I will title Luggage Etiquette, and I will hash out certain subjects as; How to pack? and How can I save time.  I will follow this segment up with things to look out for when dealing with luggage searches.  In my second segment, I will be speaking briefly on the newfangled body scanners and how to plan ahead to beat the line times.
     Luggage Etiquette:
Luggage starts at the ticket counter.  If you do not check luggage, skip this segment and move to the next.  For those of you that do, you'll want to keep reading to ensure a seamless flight from ticket counter to your seat(in first class, if you've read my previous posts.)
Checked luggage can be tricky, so allow me to offer as much knowledge as I can on the subject:
     Most airlines now charge per bag, unless you are an elite member with their rewards program, so the first step in saving money is to pack light.  Multiple bags can cost you up to $100 on some airlines.  If packing light is not an option for you, read on.
     If you need to check multiple bags for your trip, remember to keep each one below the 50lb threshold.  Going over 50lb will cost you 50-100 bucks, and 70lb and up bags will net you 100-200 bucks.  Again my solution is to pack light.  If this is still not an option for you, find a good rewards credit card and pay the balance each month!
     Now, these bags that you are checking need to be unlocked and able to be inspected without too much effort, unless you want TSA rifling through your unmentionables and damaging your goods.  Also, it may behoove you to leave a nice note informing them to put your things back the way they found them.  Many times, I would find my toolbox left with all the bags open and tools spilled everywhere within its confines.  One day I left a POLITE note inside asking TSA to please be sure to zip up all my bags and to put things back the way they found them.  Believe it or not, this little trick does work!
     Also, the ticket agent will ask you for your boarding pass and ID card.  After providing them with this, keep BOTH of them handy, you'll be needing them for the next checkpoint.  Remember, the goal is efficiency.

The next position you get to will likely be the passenger screening station.  There are many ways to be more efficient here, so try a few and see how you like them.
     A great way to save time here is to pre-pack you liquids in a clear 1qt ziplock bag.  I see too many people at the screening line trying to jam their lotions and creams into bags and throwing things away and so on.  This is very inconsiderate to all of those in line behind you and I recommend just planning ahead.
     Next is to get out that laptop and put it in a bin all by itself.  This is the rule and the officer will enforce it anyways, so why not get it right the first time?  Also, a quick tip I have learned is to laminate a business card on the front of my laptop with my name and contact information in the event that my laptop is left behind.  This will eventually happen to you if you travel as much as I do, so the best way to save time and avoid it is to simply do what I do!
     Off with the shoes and belt.  This is pretty simple, but i see a lot of people coming back through metal detectors because they left their shoes or belt on.  Not only is it wasting your time, but its wasting the time of everyone behind you.  Be smart and you will be rewarded.  

  
     TSA Body Scanners and what to do:    
With the new body scanners, you will need to take EVERYTHING out of your pockets.  Yes, this means EVERYTHING.  The best idea is to listen to the recordings and TSA officers while you are waiting in line so you understand all that needs to be done in advance!
     The body scan takes 7-10 seconds per person, and potentially requires a second scan.  When compared to the 3.5 second time it takes to walk through the metal detectors, wait times just got about 60% longer.  Be smart by being prepared for this and show up to the airport a little bit earlier.

     Utilize some of my time saving tips above and educate yourself further to understand the rules and regulations and you'll be cruising through all the lines from check in to the gate.  Safe travels!

Questions, Comments?