Tell-Tale Sign of the Holiday Season
Posted on 13. Nov, 2007 by Deb in Just...Traveling
I go through airport security lines at least twice a week.
I know the drill very well. Take my laptop out of my briefcase. Remove my jacket and my shoes. Place the quart-sized zip lock bag containing my carry-on toiletries (all under three ounces) separately in the plastic bin. The time it takes to process through security at major airports (DFW, DCA, ORD) is about 20 minutes…with smaller airports taking about 15 minutes
This morning, a sure sign of the holiday season: 40 minutes.
Of course, if TSA would open the additional x-ray belt to screen bags, and the two unused walk-through x-rays at the security point…that would speed things up. Just like those who don’t travel much understanding the rules of carry-on luggage briefing themselves…would speed things up a bit as well.
IF you don’t travel often (or even if you travel regularly) keep these things in mind:
- Arrive 1 1/2 to 2 hours before your departure time. I hate waiting, too - but it’s much better to wait a bit at your gate or an airport lounge than it is to be stressing out about making your flight.
- You are allowed two carry-ons. One bag (under 72″ in circumference) as well as one personal item, such as a briefcase, backpack, purse…. Yes, I have what I call a “sneak” purse, which is a small handbag that allows me to carry on my briefcase and a suitcase - but it fits into my suitcase with ease, allowing me the luxury of not having to check a bag.
- ALL liquids and gels, including lotion, contact solution, hair gel, mascara, etc must be placed in a QUART SIZED zip lock bag. You are allowed ONE zip lock bag. And using a gallon sized bag doesn’t work.
- Remove your cell phone, keys, coins, etc. out of your pockets. Oh, and the giant belt buckles - or Wonder Woman bracelets may cause you to set off the X-Ray alarm.
- Laptops, DVD players and other such electronics must be placed in a bin alone. You can’t put anything on top of it, either.
- Yes, you have to take off your jacket - whether it’s a heavy coat, a blazer, a cardigan….
- Yes, you must take off your shoes. I know, it’s gross to be barefoot in an airport. Sorry.
The other thing? Just don’t bitch. EVERYONE is in the same position as you. We all need to get through security, make it to our gate, and board on time. Not many are going to be forgiving of your personal issues, so save yourself from stress and aggrevation.
During the holiday season, folks are stressed and cranky…and you being cranky just makes you more miserable….Happy Holidays. Travel Safe. Merry Ho Ho Ho and all that stuff.
It’s just one of those necessary evils of traveling these days….so chill.
