Airport Security and Avoiding Problems With Your Luggage

Getting through airport security is not entirely difficult; as long as you know the rules of the airline. The process of checking bags is an important aspect of airport security because they check your bags against different criteria such as weight and proper labeling. It seems hard at first because there are many misleading rumors about what is and what is not allowed. When one properly understands the rules of airport security and luggage restrictions, the whole process is really quite simple.

The most difficult item to pack is the carry-on. This bag will go through an x-ray machine at the same moment as you go through the metal detector. There are numerous security restrictions in effect and these strict rules make the carry-on the most difficult item to pack. An extremely important security issue comes into play with liquids, gels and aerosols.

Bottles of water, toiletries and other liquid based items used to be popular additions to one’s carry on luggage. Liquid based items are currently only allowed if they are stored in containers that are three ounces or less. The procedure is simple, get a bunch of clear plastic containers that hold three ounces of liquid or less, fill them up with whatever items you may need and put them in a clear zip top bag, which is no larger then one-quart sized. Suitable containers can be found in grocery and convenience stores. There are also a number of exceptions to this liquid carry on rule for items that are absolutely essential such as baby formula and other medicinal items. These exceptions must go through security with the rest of your carry-on luggage, and be stored in a different clear plastic bag from your other liquids.

Other then liquid restrictions there really are not many things to worry about when it comes to packing your carry on bag. Most airlines allow for one carry on bag plus a brief-case, laptop computer bag, or purse. It is also important to remember that your carry-on bag must not be so large and overstuffed that it cannot fit either underneath a seat, or in the overhead compartment. A final recommendation made by security officials is to pack your bag in layers. This system allows airport personnel to more easily asses the contents of the bag when it goes through the security x-ray.

Checked luggage is actually much simpler than carry-on bags. The most important thing to remember with checked bags is that most airlines have a weight restriction. Furthermore, that weight restriction is not necessarily constant from airline to airline or country to country. Therefore a bag that is perfectly fine on you outbound flight, may be considered too heavy if you have to switch flights and ride with a different airline before you arrive at your destination. This trend is especially prevalent in international travel. The other challenge when it comes to checked luggage is picking it up upon arrival at your destination. The process is relatively simple. All you have to do is find the correct conveyer belt system for the flight you were on and wait until your bag comes around. If you are not present the first time your bag goes around, do not worry, it will come again. This part of the process can be made easier if you do something to make your bag distinctive. Tie a piece of bright colored cloth around the handle, or use a bag that has a bright, unusual color. Pieces of luggage often look very similar, and to find your bag you may have to read tags closely. Using luggage with a distinctive feature can make luggage collection much easier.

The only other security issue that remains is not getting the luggage on the flight, but getting yourself on the flight. An official state-sponsored form of photo identification is required to get through security. For those who are old enough, a driver’s license is functional, but for anybody not of driving age, the best option is a passport. Really, getting a passport is the best option for anybody as it can be used at just about any destination. There are ways to get around the photo ID limitation. Some airlines allow a combination of other proofs of identity, such as social security cards or birth certificates to be used in conjunction with a non-state ID. However, this system is quite particular as some airports have different restrictions, and even if one is travelling on the same airline, the same combination of identification may not be enough. One can usually still board the flight, but it may require some extra security screening.

In the end, getting through airport security is something that sounds very difficult, but is really quite simple. Make sure you know the rules of your airline as this will help eliminate problems with your luggage, and arrive at the airport early enough in case you do run into a slight problem. These security restrictions ensure that you have a safe and peaceful flight.