How to speed through airport security

Like it or not, longer lines at airport security checks is a fact of life in the post 9/11 world. However, airport security need not slow you down if you are well prepared for it in advance.

Hence, a recent article from ForbesTraveler.com entitled 10 Tips to Speed your Security Check along with an accompanied slideshow are well worth reading by any business traveler who does not want to experience unnecessary hassles and delays the next time they are at the airport. Although some of the tips are USA specific, many of the general tips mentioned are relevant to frequent travelers to and within the Asia Pacific region. These tips include:

• Emptying Your Pockets Early – Waiting in line is a good time to start emptying your pockets and placing the contents into your carryon bag or a handy shopping bag. After all, some of the contents in your pocket won’t be needed until after you have already landed at your destination.
• Pick the Right Time to Travel – Business travelers need to speed through security and hence, you will experience less hassles when traveling on a Monday or another work day than you will on the weekends when more infrequent travelers are traveling.
• Find the Fastest Checkpoints – Some airports have implemented multiline security programs where travelers are divided according to whether or not they are traveling with families or how frequently they travel. However, if you are in a real hurry, the line with the frequent travelers or the shortest line may not be your best option. Hence, ask an attendant which line is faster and consult either the airport website or the TSA website (if traveling from a USA airport).
• Checked-in Luggage – Some airports in the USA are requiring travelers to escort their checked baggage through additional security screening. Hence and if you are just on a short-term trip, pack everything into a carry-on bag.
• Appropriate Dress – A clean-cut business traveler will likely clear security faster than someone resembling a backpacker while conservative dress is probably the best option when visiting certain Asian countries in particular. In addition, wear coats and shoes that are both comfortable and easy to remove during security checks.
• Always be Friendly – Never give security personnel a reason to pull you aside and give you extra treatment by being unfriendly. This is especially important for Westerners visiting Asian countries as inadvertently offending someone or not being friendly could lead to more than just a delay at the security checkpoint.
• Boarding Passes and Passports – Always keep your important identification papers within easy reach and remember, while not all countries require visitors to have a passport valid for three to six months after an arrival date, a security official might – especially one having a bad day.
• Careful What You Pack – Always check with the airport, your airline or the relevant security agency website for the latest information as to what you can and cannot take on board an airplane. After all, just because you were able to take that 100 ml container of liquid on board your last flight does not mean you can take it with you the next time you fly. Moreover, security procedures may be more strict depending upon the airport you are in, the airline you are flying and your destination (like the USA).

Keeping the above useful tips in mind the next time you fly will allow you to speed through rather than be slowed down by airport security.