Airport Etiquette:
How to get through airport security without
losing your bags or missing your flight!
Suzanne Pidduck
In the past, stress about flying overseas usually involved
worrying about the flight itself, or whether you'd forgotten to
pack some essential item.
These days, however, people worry more about getting picked for
that in-depth bag search and getting through airport lines in
time to make a flight. It's a sad but true fact that navigating
airport security is more of an ordeal than the flight itself.
So how can you get through the airport quickly and easily? Is
it still possible to get to your destination on time and with
all your bags? Here are some helpful tips that will hopefully
make that dream a reality!
Packing Tips
Getting through the airport easily begins with packing. Before
you fold your first shirt, visit your airline's website to check
current restrictions. Then abide by them! If it says no
liquid carry-ons, don't try to sneak in some facial cream
because it's not "really" liquid. Also check to make sure that
your bags are the correct size and weight. Remember to check
again a day or two before departure, in case anything has
changed.
Your next concern will be to ensure that all of your bags
arrive at your destination. Tighter security and more frequent
baggage checks mean that there are going to be more mistakes--
lost baggage, or (if you're fortunate) bags that are temporarily
misplaced. More and more travelers are even reporting finding
items in their bags that don't belong to them! Fortunately,
there are a few things you can do to increase the odds that all
your bags will arrive in the right place:
1. Make your carry-on as small as possible. In fact, if you
can, carry everything in a clear plastic bag. This says "I Am
Not Dangerous," loud and clear.
2. Use plastic freezer bags to consolidate smaller items in your
checked bags, and use a permanent marker to write your name and
destination on the outside. This will help any baggage searchers
in the event of a mix-up.
3. Include your itinerary in every checked bag, complete with
names, dates, and phone numbers where you will be staying.
4. Mark the outside of each bag with something that identifies
it as part of a group. I have been with groups that used red
pom-poms (easy to pick up at a craft store), and I myself have
used colored canvas straps. Think about it: if that baggage
handler sees five bags with yellow pom-poms going to Rome, and
he's holding a bag with a pom-pom, he's probably not going to
accidentally toss it on the pile going to Kathmandu!
Now you've done your best to make sure that your bags end up at
your destination; but the best laid plans of mice and men are
not always foolproof. What if the worst does happen and your
bags are lost or delayed?
Carry-On Convenience
This is where the carry-on comes into play. I realize I just
recommended taking as little as possible... But if you're really
worried about lost bags, I'd recommend taking one change of
clothes (don't forget socks and underwear!) along with a few
essentials. In the past this is where you would buy some little
bottles of toothpaste and shampoo to pack in your carry-on.
Sadly, those days are gone. The good news is, in spite of
carry-on restrictions, there are some viable alternatives!
1. The one thing nobody wants to be without on a 14 hour flight
is toothpaste. You can get pre-pasted brushes at Dentakit.com for
about 50 cents each and toss them when you're done. Powdered
toothpaste is also a great way to go. Toothfresh.com has the product
itself and some very interesting information about the health
benefits associated with this method. You may end up using it
all the time!
2. Did you know you could get non-liquid shampoo? Consider
yourself informed. J. R.
Liggett's has been selling organic bar shampoo since 1985.
In addition to being very friendly to hair, it can be used on
the rest of your body... and even your clothes! Best of all,
it's environmentally friendly.
3. If you'll be traveling with little ones, another important
item on your list will be sunscreen. Check out the "Sun Blankie
Towelette" to make sure neither you nor your baby start out
the holiday with burnt skin. It's SPF 45+, offering the maximum
protection you'll need on that sunny Mediterranean beach!
4. Lastly, if you have any medications that you need to
carry-on, make sure they are clearly labeled with your name.
Liquid medications are usually restricted to 4 or 5 oz.
Well, your "stuff" is going to make it... now what about
you? Do you have a plan for getting through the airport
quickly and worry-free?
Airport Security Etiquette
The key to getting through airport security quickly and without
a lot of hassle is to play by the rules. Don't get angry; if
you're offended, write a letter to your congressman when you get
home. But for the time being, if a man in a uniform asks you to
do something, do it. Here are some other tips to make sure
you're not the one selected for a pat-down:
1. Arrive early. They tell you to get there about three hours
early, so do it! 2. Keep your ticket, ID, and passport all in
one place for quick access. I recommend getting something like a
passport wallet or an around-the-neck ID holder. Remember to keep an eye on it at all times.
3. Wear comfortable shoes that slip on/off easily. You'll be
asked to take your shoes off at least once at the airport, so I
recommend slippers, sandals, or flip-flops. They'll be more
comfortable on the plane as well.
4. Don't wear lots of extras; avoid earrings, watches, belts,
and pocket change if you can. If you can't, remove them ahead of
time and place them in your carry-on until you're through the
line. Trust me-- everyone else will appreciate it!
5. The last and perhaps most important tip for "flying through
the airport" is to dress smartly and simply. Don't wear t-shirts
with ambiguous messages or anything that others might view as
"creepy" or "scary." These days, it's likely to get you stopped
for a search!
Following these tips may seem a little tedious and detailed
when all you want to do is get to your destination. However, I'm
sure you'll agree that a little hassle ahead of time is worth it
to get your holiday off to a quick and anxiety-free start. That
way the only thing you'll have to worry about when you get there
is whether you should spend your time exploring or just laying
by the pool!
About the author:
Suzanne Pidduck is a veteran traveler and the founder of
Rentvillas.com, an
online company with more than twenty years' experience
connecting you with European villa rentals and apartments for
rent throughout Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and the rest of
Europe. Visit her new Travel Tips Blog for more helpful info!
losing your bags or missing your flight!
Suzanne Pidduck
In the past, stress about flying overseas usually involved
worrying about the flight itself, or whether you'd forgotten to
pack some essential item.
These days, however, people worry more about getting picked for
that in-depth bag search and getting through airport lines in
time to make a flight. It's a sad but true fact that navigating
airport security is more of an ordeal than the flight itself.
So how can you get through the airport quickly and easily? Is
it still possible to get to your destination on time and with
all your bags? Here are some helpful tips that will hopefully
make that dream a reality!
Packing Tips
Getting through the airport easily begins with packing. Before
you fold your first shirt, visit your airline's website to check
current restrictions. Then abide by them! If it says no
liquid carry-ons, don't try to sneak in some facial cream
because it's not "really" liquid. Also check to make sure that
your bags are the correct size and weight. Remember to check
again a day or two before departure, in case anything has
changed.
Your next concern will be to ensure that all of your bags
arrive at your destination. Tighter security and more frequent
baggage checks mean that there are going to be more mistakes--
lost baggage, or (if you're fortunate) bags that are temporarily
misplaced. More and more travelers are even reporting finding
items in their bags that don't belong to them! Fortunately,
there are a few things you can do to increase the odds that all
your bags will arrive in the right place:
1. Make your carry-on as small as possible. In fact, if you
can, carry everything in a clear plastic bag. This says "I Am
Not Dangerous," loud and clear.
2. Use plastic freezer bags to consolidate smaller items in your
checked bags, and use a permanent marker to write your name and
destination on the outside. This will help any baggage searchers
in the event of a mix-up.
3. Include your itinerary in every checked bag, complete with
names, dates, and phone numbers where you will be staying.
4. Mark the outside of each bag with something that identifies
it as part of a group. I have been with groups that used red
pom-poms (easy to pick up at a craft store), and I myself have
used colored canvas straps. Think about it: if that baggage
handler sees five bags with yellow pom-poms going to Rome, and
he's holding a bag with a pom-pom, he's probably not going to
accidentally toss it on the pile going to Kathmandu!
Now you've done your best to make sure that your bags end up at
your destination; but the best laid plans of mice and men are
not always foolproof. What if the worst does happen and your
bags are lost or delayed?
Carry-On Convenience
This is where the carry-on comes into play. I realize I just
recommended taking as little as possible... But if you're really
worried about lost bags, I'd recommend taking one change of
clothes (don't forget socks and underwear!) along with a few
essentials. In the past this is where you would buy some little
bottles of toothpaste and shampoo to pack in your carry-on.
Sadly, those days are gone. The good news is, in spite of
carry-on restrictions, there are some viable alternatives!
1. The one thing nobody wants to be without on a 14 hour flight
is toothpaste. You can get pre-pasted brushes at Dentakit.com for
about 50 cents each and toss them when you're done. Powdered
toothpaste is also a great way to go. Toothfresh.com has the product
itself and some very interesting information about the health
benefits associated with this method. You may end up using it
all the time!
2. Did you know you could get non-liquid shampoo? Consider
yourself informed. J. R.
Liggett's has been selling organic bar shampoo since 1985.
In addition to being very friendly to hair, it can be used on
the rest of your body... and even your clothes! Best of all,
it's environmentally friendly.
3. If you'll be traveling with little ones, another important
item on your list will be sunscreen. Check out the "Sun Blankie
Towelette" to make sure neither you nor your baby start out
the holiday with burnt skin. It's SPF 45+, offering the maximum
protection you'll need on that sunny Mediterranean beach!
4. Lastly, if you have any medications that you need to
carry-on, make sure they are clearly labeled with your name.
Liquid medications are usually restricted to 4 or 5 oz.
Well, your "stuff" is going to make it... now what about
you? Do you have a plan for getting through the airport
quickly and worry-free?
Airport Security Etiquette
The key to getting through airport security quickly and without
a lot of hassle is to play by the rules. Don't get angry; if
you're offended, write a letter to your congressman when you get
home. But for the time being, if a man in a uniform asks you to
do something, do it. Here are some other tips to make sure
you're not the one selected for a pat-down:
1. Arrive early. They tell you to get there about three hours
early, so do it! 2. Keep your ticket, ID, and passport all in
one place for quick access. I recommend getting something like a
passport wallet or an around-the-neck ID holder. Remember to keep an eye on it at all times.
3. Wear comfortable shoes that slip on/off easily. You'll be
asked to take your shoes off at least once at the airport, so I
recommend slippers, sandals, or flip-flops. They'll be more
comfortable on the plane as well.
4. Don't wear lots of extras; avoid earrings, watches, belts,
and pocket change if you can. If you can't, remove them ahead of
time and place them in your carry-on until you're through the
line. Trust me-- everyone else will appreciate it!
5. The last and perhaps most important tip for "flying through
the airport" is to dress smartly and simply. Don't wear t-shirts
with ambiguous messages or anything that others might view as
"creepy" or "scary." These days, it's likely to get you stopped
for a search!
Following these tips may seem a little tedious and detailed
when all you want to do is get to your destination. However, I'm
sure you'll agree that a little hassle ahead of time is worth it
to get your holiday off to a quick and anxiety-free start. That
way the only thing you'll have to worry about when you get there
is whether you should spend your time exploring or just laying
by the pool!
About the author:
Suzanne Pidduck is a veteran traveler and the founder of
Rentvillas.com, an
online company with more than twenty years' experience
connecting you with European villa rentals and apartments for
rent throughout Italy, France, Spain, Greece, and the rest of
Europe. Visit her new Travel Tips Blog for more helpful info!
posted by The Editor at
5:52 AM
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