Tips on TSA Checkpoint

Last Friday afternoon I was on my usual travel back to my lovely hometown, and for holiday weekend travels, there are usually higher traffic of travelers, frequent and non-frequent.  As I went through the TSA checkpoint, I was waiting for my turns to pick up bins for baggage/personal item checks. In front of me there was this trendy lady, probably on her holiday travel, scrambled things out of her luggage and threw them onto the bin, and oops she forgot her laptop, took it out and placed it on another bin, and finally got everything on the belt. She stood in front of the scanner, the TSA agent asked her to take off the sunglasses on top of her head, and to remove the scarf.  She did them. The agent asked to check her pockets, there were her keys, she ran over to the moving belt, tried to throw it to the bin and missed it. "Anyway" she said, she finally walked over the scanner and it went off!!! She was wearing too many jewelries - oversized earrings, ring that made a statement, beaded necklace, etc.  I felt bad for her, the TSA checkpoint must not be her friend that day!

Checkpoint doesn't have to be a hassle, and you could get everything on the bins and belt within seconds!  Here are my simple steps:

1. While waiting, start untying your shoelace.  Remove heavy jewelries (always keep your engagement ring/wedding band) and put them in the handbag and be sure to zip up the bag
2. Take 1 (2 with laptop) bin(s). 
3. Place the carry-on luggage to go on the belt first
4. Place the laptop in the first bin 
5. Place your shoes in the second bin, remove liquids in a transparent bag and place the bag next to the shoes
6. Place your handbag over the shoes

The order sounds weird because most people want to put the heavy item last, and want to pick up the shoes first, but always remember to make you valuables (wallet, money, jewelries) go last.  NEVER put jewelries on the bin and make it go first. Someone on the other side could have a chance to pick it up before you get there.

Pack all the liquids in a bag is always easier. Refer to http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm for the liquid requirements.  

Happy Travel!