Recently, I had to do a lot of flying, which means I experienced too much of a dreaded event: going through security.
But what I found from going through security so many times is that there are actually little ways to go around the “mandatory” rules. Here’s what I learned:
Image by djedj from Pixabay 1. Not all sweatshirts are made equal.
I used to think that every time I went through security, I had to take off every layer except my T-shirt and pants. What I was actually told is that as long as your jacket is kind of close to your body, you can keep it on. Wearing a crewneck? Keep it on. Wearing a pea coat? That has to come off.
2. Your Ziplock bag of liquids doesn’t have to ride alone.
I keep my toiletries in a thin plastic container, and I usually take my little bag of liquids out of this and put it in the security bin. I was told, however, that as long as my toiletry bag is thin to they can see what’s inside through the monitors, I can just keep the liquids in my bag.
3. No jewelry removal necessary.
This may be unique to the different machines that are in different airports, so be careful. I used to take every piece of jewelry off of me before going through the machines, but I was told that the machines are most sensitive to belts and men’s watches made totally out of metal. Little bracelets and watches don’t have enough metal to set off the machine, so you can go through them and at the end they will just make sure that that’s what is on your wrist.
4. Smart tablets are not the same as laptops.
If you have a smart tablet, you can keep it in a case in its bin, unlike those pesky laptops. Even more of a reason to pack a lighter electronic device (or ask for one for Christmas).
Some rules are very stringent, such as taking out your laptop and putting it in its own bin, or taking off your shoes, but there are always ways to get to your flight just a little bit faster.
Article written by Sarah Graham.
