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PACKING FOR SECURITY |
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More
people are flying than ever before. And for frequent travelers. Security
lines are getting noticeably longer. Why? People
don't know how to pack. Don't be a line hold up because of the way you
packed. More importantly, if you get pulled to the side with only 10 before
you flight starts boarding, pack so you can be through in seconds instead of long
minutes. |
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Federal
aviation officials say travelers can, however, do their part. Mainly, don't be a slob. Every bag check takes three minutes, so pack your bag in a way that
we can see it on the X-ray. Limit clutter. You'll get through
faster. Everybody will be happier. The
TSA introduced new guidelines to help passengers streamline their carry-on
bags in an effort to, in turn, streamline security checks. Dubbed
"SimpliFLY," the guidelines urge fliers to: |
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o
Pack an organized
carry-on bag using layers - a layer of clothes, then electronics, more
clothes and then other items, like toiletries. This will help security
officers see what's in your bag. |
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o
Have your boarding
pass and ID ready for inspection when you get to the checkpoint. o
Remove your coat and
shoes and place them in a bin. o
Place any oversized
electronics, such as laptop computers, video game consoles, DVD players and
video cameras, in a separate bin. Personal audio players and other smaller
electronics can stay in your carry-on bag. |
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The
biggest puzzler for inexperienced travelers are the rules governing carry-on
liquids, aerosols and gels, which limit travelers to only 3-ounce containers
of such materials in a single quart-size zip-top bag. Some medically
necessary liquids, such as medicine or breast milk, are exempt if they are
declared ahead of time to a security officer. If
you packed a bottle of wine or some jams or jelly or things that you made
especially for someone, they can't go through the carry-on checkpoint. You'll
need to either check the bags or ship them separately. A
complication could arise for experienced travelers who show up at the airport
expecting to find zip-top bags at the checkpoint. TSA officials said they
could not afford to keep them on supply, so travelers now must make sure to
bring their own. |
Aviation
officials say you should avoid these problems so you won't become That sob
who holds up the line: * Not having your boarding pass and ID
out for inspection. * Wearing bulky coats, sweaters and
other items that make it difficult for security officers to screen you
properly. * Wearing shoes or boots with laces or
other fasteners that aren't easy to remove and put back on. * Forgetting to take your laptop and
other oversized electronics out of your carry-on bag. * Forgetting the 3-1-1 rules on
liquids, aerosols and gels. * Forgetting to declare exempt liquids
like medicines, breast milk, baby formula and other items. * Leaving loose change, keys and other
metal objects in your pockets. * Bringing gifts that appear on the prohibited
items list, like antique swords, guns, etc. |
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More headaches could come
if you're carrying gifts for the nieces and nephews. No matter how pretty you
want your gifts to be, don't wrap them, because security screeners will pull
them out of the line and unwrap them for inspection anyway. Applying common sense
should go a long way toward resolving uncertainties. If you're not sure about
whether you can bring it through a checkpoint, leave it home or put it in
your checked luggage. But most importantly, come
with the right attitude, which isn't necessarily optimism, said James May,
president of the Air Transport Association. |
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