Are you new to flying? Maybe you are nervous about flying. Here are some flying tips to help you get through security safely and quickly.
Flying Tips for Security:
Going through security can be a little nerve racking. Be prepared to remove your shoes, coat, extra sweatshirt, purse, belt, watch (if its large and mostly metal), wallet, phone, money clip, spare change. or anything else in your pocket. Be polite and pay attention to the TSA workers. They are there to keep everyone safe but there are lots of people and its very difficult when people are chatting to each other and not listening to the TSA workers who are giving them instructions. There are always slightly different procedures at different airports. Usually the TSA worker will check your boarding pass and ID. Sometimes they do it as you enter the line for security and other times they do it as you walk through the metal detector. Read the signs and be sure you are paying attention to the instructions.
Wear comfortable clothes: The less buckles, zippers, and layers the better. Its easier to to get through security with less things to take off.
Easy on/off shoes: You will have to take off your shoes when you go through security so be sure you and your kids have shoes that are easy to take on and off quickly. If you don’t want to walk barefoot in the airport make sure you have socks on too.
Carry-on: Since many airlines are charging for checked baggage, many people are trying to travel with just a carry-on. Be very careful about what is in your carry on. Be sure to check the TSA Website to be sure you have packed properly. You can also read my recommendations for packing your carry-on
Kids love to pack their own carry-ons with their treasures. That is fine but be sure to check your child’s bag, EVERY pocket! I can’t tell you how many times I see a child at the airport in tears because they brought something that had to be thrown out since it did not follow the regulations. Kids don’t understand this so be sure to check their bags for them.
Flying Tips at the airport:
You can’t bring much through security but after you are through security you can purchase food and drinks to bring on the plane. Most domestic flights don’t serve very much. They may offer you a drink and maybe some pretzels. If you want more than that you will have to bring it with you. Feel free to buy food to eat on the plane.
If you are traveling with kids they may want something to play with while waiting for boarding or once on the plane. They can color or use electronics in airplane mode.
If you are traveling with infants you may want to see my tips for flying with infants.
