Become an Expert at Airports in the USA

Ever since 9/11, airports have buckled down on security in the U.S. (with good reason!). Many new rules were set in place to maintain a safe environment in these bustling places. Perhaps travelers get intimidated by the TSA security or just nervous about flying in general, but level-headed, intelligent individuals become air-headed and clueless. Here are some tips to become an expert airport traveler, rather than a bumbling fool.

Check-In Procedures are normally painless, especially if you are not checking in a bag (highly discourage you from checking bags!).
1. If you are not checking in a bag, United and other airlines have kiosks that will print your boarding pass for you (so easy to use and worth it!), some airlines let you print your ticket the night before (like Southwest), or others have created apps for smart phones that have your ticket with a unique barcode or QR code.

Pic courtesy of united.com

2. If you are checking in a bag, make sure it does not exceed the weight limit. Some airlines require different weight and size limits depending on the seat you purchase (First, Business, or Economy). Also, expect to pay for your checked bags (unless flying Southwest). So, if we have not convinced you to travel light with a backpack, hopefully this will help your decision!

Security at different airports vary with line/procedure efficiency. 

1. Some credit cards with travel rewards can help you skip the line or get in a shorter line. Always give yourself extra time to get through, ESPECIALLY if you are traveling during a holiday or peak season.

2. Make sure to empty all water bottles before you get to the front of the line. Many times there aren't any trash cans. Place all liquids that are 3.4 ounces (100mL) or less in a SANDWICH-sized clear plastic baggie. They don't allow gallon-sized (found out the hard way). Leave these in a pocket that is easy to access so you don't have to dig in your bag and hold up the line. Get the bag out right before you have to grab the plastic bin to put on the belt. Leave it out of your bag and visible in the bin.

3. Don't bother bringing any pocket knives or large sharp objects (although I did see a lady on a plane knitting…). Tweezers, nail clippers, leg/face razors are fine. Go to TSA website for more detailed requirements. If you did forget to take out a pocket knife, they may ask you if you brought any weapons. They won't arrest you if you did not realize it was in there, but do not make a scene when they search you.

4. Wear shoes that are easy and fast to take off and put back on. Take them off right before you get to the plastic bins and put them inside along with any sweaters, belts, etc.

5. Once you have been scanned and checked by security, get your bins and move out of the way towards the benches that have been strategically placed for you to collect your belongings and put your shoes back on. It is VERY irritating when someone stands at the belt, putting their shoes on and putting their belongings away. 

Our buddy forgot to remove his pocket knife!

6. If you are pulled aside or randomly chosen, stay pleasant, calm, and DO NOT make a scene.
Acting irritable and rude NEVER helps any situation. They are just doing their job. I have been chosen randomly at SEVERAL(5!) airports, domestic and international, to have all of my belongings taken out and searched (in Peru I watched in horror as they pulled my dirty hiking underclothes in front of everyone). Maybe I look suspicious? I'd like to think it's because I look pleasant, and I won't make a scene (wishful thinking).

Customs can be quick and easy as well.

1. Once again, you may be chosen for random checks or pulled aside if any dogs smell anything suspicious (sorry you can't bring that delicious, colorful fruit into the U.S.!). Stay calm.


2. On the airplane, the flight attendants will give you a paper to fill out. FILL IT OUT on the plane! Save some time. There are plenty of extras at little desks in the airport, but you and a whole bunch of other travelers need one as well. DON'T lose this. Some countries require you to keep a stub as proof of your visa, most of the time they will staple it in your passport.

3. Split up! You do not HAVE to be in the same lines, plus it may save time! But don't get in the wrong line…if you are a U.S. citizen get in that line! It's heartbreaking when you wait in a long line to learn you were in the wrong line.

3. DO NOT walk up to a customs counter with someone that is not a family member. They do NOT like this (learned this the hard way).

4. The officers will ask you simple questions, where are you from? what is your address? where did you travel to? how long? etc. etc. Smile and answer them confidently. They will stamp some things and say, "Have a great day! Welcome back!" And that's it!

If the airport (like LAX, Miami, Atlanta) is Notorious for being overcrowded, slow, and/or disorganized, BREATHE. Give yourself extra time. Irritability never helps anything. Read a book, do a puzzle, play games on your phone, cards, whatever! Just stay calm.

Have further comments or tips? Leave a comment below or email us at 10centtravels@gmail.com!

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Some information was researched at www.united.com