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Because airport regulations are consistently tight and airport security measures strict and intensive, sufficient preparation hours before the trip could mean the difference between an on-schedule departure and one which is moved over to a waiting list because of inadequate prerequisites. The following are some useful tips to consider, so you can breeze through airport security and hassles with relative ease.
Make sure that you confirm your slot the day before the departure, particularly if there are sudden changes in weather in the last 48 hours. Make sure that all areas are covered, and ask if you’ll have to check in earlier than usual if you are traveling with children, pets, or sensitive luggage. It is also advisable to ask beforehand if the airline has any particular restrictions concerning certain articles, such as electronic gadgets and extra luggage.
Keep the airline’s luggage weight restrictions in mind when packing. The usual rules require a maximum carry-on luggage weight of 40 pounds, and 70 pounds for luggage which goes to the cargo area; if you go over limit, you’ll be charged an extra if you want to keep the excess baggage. Make sure that you have copies of all important documents which you may need for the trip, which covers yourself and your accompanying children or pets. Keep important papers such as passports, plane tickets, identification, copies of your medical history, and your wallet within easy reach so you won’t have to fuss with your suitcase during security checks. Do away with articles which may cause trigger alarms upon inspection; items as insignificant as tweezers, shoe lace metal fasteners, and the underwire in lingerie can slow you down and may be the cause of a missed flight. It is better to get rid of metals in your luggage, as much as you can, and if you are wearing metal piercings, remove them before inspection. Wear shoes which can be removed and slipped back on in a snap.
Airport restrictions have become more stringent after 9/11, and you’ll have to deal with new security measures, particularly those concerning liquids. If you intend on bringing them with you onboard, these should be stored in clear, three-ounce mini bottles, which are placed in one clear plastic bag. Otherwise you should put all toiletries in separate bags in the baggage which you check in. While going through security checks, it is better to keep your luggage unlocked, at least before the flight. Locks create suspicion, and you’ll have to go through a lot of time-consuming fuss in order to have it undone.
Give yourself enough time to get to the airport; it is better if you arrive hours before departure. Passengers go through long and intensive security checks, especially during heightened alerts, when security measures are dramatically increased and are more stringent. Check in as early as possible in order to make sure that you and your baggage are in the same flight. Checking in early also gets rid of the risk of your slot being delegated to the next flight. The airport considers your arrival with the official check in, and not with your arrival on the premises.