What You Need To Know About Airport Security
The world has forever changed since September 11, 2001. Americans have experienced first-hand the devastation that terrorism brings. As a result, the airline industry, along with the federal government, has continued to improve security measures for air travel.
There has been a lot of press lately concerning the full body scans now being performed by the new imaging machines that are becoming available in airports across the country. Many claim the machines are an invasion of privacy, while others are willing to sacrifice a little privacy for the peace of mind that security provides.
As of right now, it is not mandatory that you pass through a body scan machine to board a plane. However, you may be given that option, or you may be asked to do so if security screeners feel you may be hiding something. Should you refuse the body scan, you may request to instead be subject to a comprehensive “pat down” which can be performed at the security gate, or in a private room.
To the majority of travelers (law-abiding citizens harboring no ill intent), these security measures can be irritating. To be singled out and subjected to additional security measures can be embarrassing. However, it is important to remember that these measures are important in preventing terrorist attacks. You may not be a terrorist, but these security measures allow screeners to identify those individuals who are dangerous.
There are some things you can do that will help your security check go smoothly:
1. Relax.
If you are nervous about passing through security, chances are the screeners will pick up on it. If you don’t have anything to hide, then don’t act like it. Security personnel are trained to look for suspicious behavior, and you being nervous can give them a false positive. Look screeners in the eye, speak confidently, and relax. Security officers can be intimidating, but remember they are there to keep you safe.
2. Pack medicines and pills in their original packaging.
It may be nothing for you to throw a few aspirins in a Ziploc bag and put them in your pocket, or to put a few of your prescriptions together in one medicine box, but security officers need to know just what it is you are transporting. Medicine in its original packaging alleviates suspicion and cuts down on hold ups at the gate.
3. Pack electronics so that they are easy to get to.
You may be asked to have all your electronic devices inspected. If they are buried underneath everything else in your bag, not only will it take you a long time to get to them, but you will have a mess to hurriedly put back together.
4. Have important identification information easily accessible.
At the very least you will need your government ID, passport, and plane ticket available. You could keep it all in your pockets or purse, but consider placing those items in an ID badge holder and wearing it around your neck on a lanyard. A basic ID badge holder will certainly be large enough to hold your ID, but you may need to look for a larger one in order to be able to stick your passport in there as well. Having those items on a lanyard around your neck allows you to pull them out on demand.
For more tips and information about lanyards please visit: id badge holders
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