Airport Security

Around here (Baltimore), an hour to an hour and a quarter (at the airport) seems to work. The airline I flew recommended 45 minutes. About an hour coming back from Florida also worked.

A couple people have told me they have carried nail clippers (still on the banned list I saw, perhaps outdated) through with no problems. Still no pocket knives, no more than 3 ounces of liquid for carry on.

Whatever you do, do NOT call out to your long lost buddy, "HI,JACK!"

Make sure you don't carry any guns with more than a 5 shot clip.

Depends on the time of day and the airport. An hour should be sufficient but I don't fly a lot so I usually allow 2 hours just so I can be relaxed in case anything slows me down.

Allow at least an hour and don't take anything that resembles a knife, like the cutting edge of a wine bottle opener. No liquids.

Enjoy the new security.

Keith

My sister dropped me off at Dulles with 45 minutes to spare. They marked my bag late but I had no trouble making it onto the airplane but that was before 6am. My bag showed up at SMF with me too.

I wouldn't make a habit of cutting it that close.

It's been a few years for me, too, but not decades. What I remember:

Make sure your driver's license hasn't expired.

Call your credit card customer service and ask permission to use the cards in other states that you don't normally use them in. This can avoid locking out the card from unusual activity on the account.

Learn the check-in rules. Mostly now they want you to do it in advance by internet, and/or check in at a machine in the airport to print a boarding pass. Those machines will identify you from any credit card, even one not used to buy the tickets, I'm told (they're all plugged in to Big Brother). Knowing this fact would have saved me a lot of panic on my trip a few years ago.

Heaven help you if you have to change your schedule. I would be a babe in the woods with that.

Go over yourself with the magnetic locator, and a coin hunter if you have one, before you leave, so you know what to take out and put in the basket. With luck you'll then get through the metal detector on first try. It's irritating to have to go back because you left a pen in your pocket or your belt buckle was too big. Steel-toe shoes or metal in the arch - in the basket.

The liquid rule includes water and soda bottles, as well as your shampoo, sunscreen lotion,etc.

In 2006, I was able to use my handheld GPS for entertainment on 3 of the 4 flight legs, operating under the computer usage guidelines. Not allowed on the 4th. It's nice to be able to look out the window and correlate to the map. Be sure elevation isn't set for aiding by an internal altimeter, as the cabin pressure will throw it off enough you may not lock.

And make sure you have clean socks, for when you take off your shoes (this may be at the airplane gate and not at main security).

About three years ago I made the mistake of asking (before entering security) if I could take a bottle of water through. Was told no. Went back to a trash can and threw two bottles in. Waited 15 more minutes in line and then got the special service. Had to go through the full service line where they patted me down, went through everything, practically had to undress. So if you need water get it on the other side of security.

Bin Laudin's dead and we are totally broke and bound up. So who won? More like lose/lose.

Everybody gave good advice, but Bill93's was most thorough. I'll expand.

I flew Orlando to Reagan/National on Friday. Here's what I'll say:

Make sure your driver's license hasn't expired. Bring a valid ID whatever you have.

Call your credit card customer service and ask permission to use the cards in other states that you don't normally use them in. This can avoid locking out the card from unusual activity on the account. Pretty good idea. I hadn't even thought about that. I didn't have any problems though.

Learn the check-in rules. Mostly now they want you to do it in advance by internet, and/or check in at a machine in the airport to print a boarding pass. I did this Those machines will identify you from any credit card, even one not used to buy the tickets, I'm told (they're all plugged in to Big Brother). I checked in to US Airways without any card at all. I just had to know my flight info and such. Knowing this fact would have saved me a lot of panic on my trip a few years ago. You will do this before the TSA checkpoint. The TSA at Orlando was the longest I have ever been through, but I also got through pretty quick, I was surprised. I got through in about 20 minutes. I was glad that I got to the airport 1.25 hours early... I had to walk a bit and got to use the bathroom.

Heaven help you if you have to change your schedule. I would be a babe in the woods with that. I've not had any problems, thankfully.

Go over yourself with the magnetic locator, and a coin hunter if you have one, before you leave, so you know what to take out and put in the basket. With luck you'll then get through the metal detector on first try. It's irritating to have to go back because you left a pen in your pocket or your belt buckle was too big. Steel-toe shoes or metal in the arch - in the basket. Expect to put everything into a bin and have it scanned. Laptops go separately. Take your belt off. Put the phone in there. Empty your pockets. No knives. Don't even try fingernail clippers and such. Plan to use multiple bins. You will have to take your shoes off, period.

The liquid rule includes water and soda bottles, as well as your shampoo, sunscreen lotion,etc. Don't even try to take a beverage through. You can get trial sizes of shampoos, deodorants etc. at your local store, or you can get clear empty plastics at Wal-Mart or Target to fill up from home. No more than 3 or 4 oz. better check TSA on that. Put it all in a clear quart ziplock bag so they can see it should they need to. Do the same with your electronics (ipods, digital cameras, charging cords, ear buds, USB chargers, anything you can think of).

In 2006, I was able to use my handheld GPS for entertainment on 3 of the 4 flight legs, operating under the computer usage guidelines. Not allowed on the 4th. It's nice to be able to look out the window and correlate to the map. Be sure elevation isn't set for aiding by an internal altimeter, as the cabin pressure will throw it off enough you may not lock. I don't know anything about this item/area.

And make sure you have clean socks, for when you take off your shoes (this may be at the airplane gate and not at main security). Again, you WILL have to take off your shoes.

Good luck!! If you fly early, it will take longer to get through TSA, if you fly later, there should be less people.

Current picture ID (valid driver’s license or passport).

3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounce (100 ml) or smaller containers of liquid or gel (shampoo, hand lotion, etc.) in a 1-quart clear zip-top baggie (everything in one bag), 1 bag per traveler. Put it in plain sight in the security bin.

My advice on keys, coins, etc. Skip the stupid little dish. Put everything in your carry-on bag before you get to the security check point. By everything, I mean EVERYTHING. Cell phone, watch, rings, keys, wallet, comb, stray piece of paper, toothpick, lint…EVERYTHING. It’s not just a metal detector anymore. All airports I’ve been through in the last two years now have the body scanners. I got patted down and checked for explosives residue in San Diego a year and a half ago because I didn’t remove my handkerchief. If you put everything in your carry-on bag, you don’t have to worry about the little dish tipping over and spilling your stuff into the guts of the xray machine. Also, you don’t have to try to get everything back into the correct pocket there at the security check point where they want you to get the hell out of the way once you’re through. You'll have enough trouble getting your shoes back on.

Laptop computer in a security bin by itself. Shoes in a bin. Jacket or coat in a bin. 3-1-1 bag in plain sight. I usually put it on top of my jacket.

I’ve been through a couple dozen security checks with nail clippers since 9-11 with no problem. Just make sure they’re in your carry-on bag, not in your pocket.

I have also found it advantageous to avoid the clever riposte when speaking to TSA agents. They are humorless souls. Be polite but don't expect to make a friend.

Print your boarding pass at home on your computer the day before. Then you can go straight to the security check point. You won’t have to go to the ticket counter at all unless you’re checking a bag. I’ve even seen people pull up their boarding pass on their smart phone and hand it to the gate attendant for scanning. Haven’t tried that myself yet.

Speaking of checked bags, avoid if possible. You’re allowed one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Carry-on size limits vary a little by airline. For example, American Airlines states 22” long x 14” wide x 9” tall. Mine is bigger than that and I've never been told I can't bring it. It just has to fit in the overhead bin. If you think your carry-on bag is too big for the overhead bin, ask for a tag from the attendant at the gate. Put the tag on you bag and they will take it just before you step onto the plane, put it in the luggage compartment and return it to you as you step off the plane at your destination. Beats waiting at the luggage carousel. Your "personal item" can be a purse, briefcase, laptop bag. It has to fit under the seat in front of you.

As for how much time to allow: You need to be through security and at your departure gate 1/2 hour before your scheduled departure time. The departure time is just that, the time the plane is scheduled to take off. Boarding usually starts 20-30 minutes before that and if you show up at the departure time, you will most likely be SOL. I prefer to allow plenty of time for the security check. You never know how long the lines will be. As Dave said, it depends on the time of day. I have walked up to a security check and found I was the only person there and zipped through in 5 minutes. I have also stood in line for an hour.

I usually allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours (plus the aforementioned 20-30 minutes) and, once I’m through the security check, I find the restroom nearest my departure gate, find a seat near my departure gate, restore my keys, wallet, etc. to their proper pocket, take out the magazine I have cleverly brought along or the ipod with audio book and settle in. You could also squeeze in a meal if appropriate. Just before they start boarding the plane, I retrace my steps to the previously located restroom, use it, and get on the plane.

Bon voyage.

> Whatever you do, do NOT call out to your long lost buddy, "HI,JACK!"

I almost spit out my tea reading this.... :-O 😛 😉 😀 :woot:

Belts! They have to come off. Make sure your strides don't end up around your ankles. 🙂
went to Hawaii late last year.
Coming in took about 3/4 hour.
There was a woman in the crowd talking very loud and long to her family back on the mainland. The security bloke pointed her a couple of times to a sign - NO MOBILES. She acknowledged then kept talking. They had to intervene.
I thought the security was very reasonable. She could be heard all over the area.

Coming home (to Australia) I had rearranged my bag as it was rather heavy and transferred a few things to my cabin bag.
One item was my toilet bag and I just didn't think about its contents.

I passed through the USA end with flying colours, even my still overweight bag was logged on.

Arrived in Sydney and things got rather intense.

We had been up Diamond Head and son in law found an old 2 1/2"± survey spike complete with wind thrashed nylon tape attached lying on the ground. (that was my souvenir from Hawaii)
Australia security poured over my bag, then decided to inspect.
I'd forgotten I had put the spike in my toilet bag and as it was supposed to be in my normal luggage wasn't worried about its presence.
I explained what the spike was all about but it passed from officer to officer before they decided it was OK.
But what they failed to see were a sharp pointed pair of scissors, some rasor blades (real ones), a spike for cleaning teeth or whatever (actually no idea what its for), nail clippers. Amazing. I think they got too engrossed in this 'sharp pointed thing' as they referred it to.

Another strange thing and something to be cautious on if bag weight is a problem.
My bag gained weight as it got closer to home.
The scales at airports vary and if they are as sharp on that as here then that's worth looking at closely.

For a trip no longer than that ....

I'd be tempted to drive. The drive won't be that bad and you'll not have to worry about getting to the airport early, security, delays, hassles, etc etc. Yes, you will take 3 days rather than 2, but most likely will be a lot less stressful & less expensive.

For a trip no longer than that ....

I agree with Dave. I find the airport security process so objectionable that I will drive to anywhere that is a 12 hour drive or less rather than fly. That range has increased and I suspect will continue to increase as time goes on.

I have a tactical belt with no metal. It worked a few times but the last time they said I had to take it off anyway. So much for that plan.

I always wear slip on shoes when flying.

For a trip no longer than that ....

The security process has gotten pretty painless in the past few years.

It's not a really big deal anymore.

For a trip no longer than that ....

> The security process has gotten pretty painless in the past few years.
>
> It's not a really big deal anymore.

:good:

I think the time spent in security lines is pretty much offset by the time saved with curbside or kiosk check-in.-

For a trip no longer than that ....

I fly about 10 times a month to various projects and client offices around the U.S. Its pretty painless now, security is not bad at all in most airports. The bigest delay is people not knowing what to do.

For a trip no longer than that ....

I always like to get to the airport at least three hours or more before the flight.
I find the security isn't so bad to get through But its not 100% secure as far as the word goes. I inadvertently brought my knife on board two flights last month when missed by X-ray in my briefcase. But its better then the nineties when I brought an African Spear on board the plane returning from Senegal.
Try not to get in a line behind families with little kids or people in wheelchairs.
Biggest pain is taken your shoes off, you don't do that in Europe. try having them pre untied. Take all the loose bits and put them in your jacket...jacket in the tray with shoes. Laptops out of the case and in another tray, walk through the metal detector or bomb sniffer. If at this point you forgot to put your gun in your checked baggage then your fooked. When you get into the demilitarized zone just grab all your gear off the belt and get outa there to a seat table in the concourse to reassemble your fashion mode. If your trying to put on your logger lace up boots at the X-ray machine belt then you'll piss people off like me coming behind and ball up the whole flow of screening efficiency.
I get to the airport 3 hours early for the demilitarized zone ... In Seattle it's because of Antony's Fish Bar, Fresh fish n' chips, Merlot, and a killer view. In Portland it's the Rogue Brewpub, Blue Burger and IPA, WiFi throughout and great stores to browse through like Powells. I like being around the aviation as well and get good use of the Plane Finder iPhone app while at the airport. Another great app is Flight-board but probably more useful for frequent travelers.
Not sure what your local airports offer.