Tips For Dealing With Security Checkpoints At Airports

Ever since 911, the rules at our airports have changed. If you are planning on flying, you will find that most of these changes have occurred right at airports, namely airport security checkpoints. If you are about to head off to travel abroad, whether you leave tomorrow or in two weeks, it is advised that you familiarize yourself with these new air travel rules, especially the ones at airport security checkpoints.

Most airport passengers only think about the checkpoint where you have to take off your shoes and go through a metal detector, but the reality is that there are actually three. The first checkpoint is when you go to register for your seat on the plane. This is the time when you will be presented with your boarding passes and when you must hand over the luggage that you would like checked. In addition to handing over your plane tickets or requesting your boarding passes, you will need to show the proper forms of identification. Wise passengers will have their driver’s license or a government issued identification card handy when going through one of these checkpoints.

Don't forget about your luggage that is too big to carry on. These bags are commonly referred to as checked baggage or checked luggage. As with your carry on luggage, your checked baggage will need to be checked for prohibited items. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are. Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, this is normally done to check for dangerous chemicals that are used in explosives or incendiary devices.

Once you have checked you luggage at the counter and have your tickets or boarding passes in hand, you'll now proceed to the main checkpoint. This point is where you will be required to have your carry on luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. You will also need to walk through a metal detector. In the past, only random travelers were asked to remove their shoes for checking. At the current time, all air travelers, with the exception of those with a disability or hindering medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. Your shoes will be x-rayed, along with the rest of your carry-on luggage. I always have to remove my rings, belt buckle and partials because they set off the metal detector.

It's important that you familiarizing yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane, including items that are only prohibited from being stored in your carry-on luggage, an unnecessary incident could be prevented and keep you, the other passengers as well as the airplane from being held up. In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard of it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security. Ensuring that you leave all prohibited items at home is the best way to prevent this unnecessary tie up, which may cause you to miss your flight or worse, fine or imprisonment.

Now that you've passed the main checkpoint, you will need to go through one more security checkpoints before you get on the plane. This is the final step before being able to board your airplane. When entering the airport terminal, after your airline as granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass. As this time you may need to show your identification again; however, it isn’t always necessary. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but you may be pulled aside in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. The final boarding stage is another checkpoint you may have to pass. Just stay calm as some passengers become angry and end up missing the flight.

It's in everyone's best interest that you follow the airline traveling rules. Knowing these rules ahead of time, including the screening process, you should ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident. The best way to do this is to arrive early, like two hours or more, and make sure you leave all prohibited items at home and that your carry-on luggage is under the maximum size.