Security checks at airports can be time consuming, especially if your baggage is poorly prepared. To avoid searches and pass checks quickly and efficiently, carefully consider what you need to bring and what is not; place the items that are least likely to be inspected at the bottom of the suitcase and the computer and liquids on top; finally, get the right luggage.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Bring the Necessary
Step 1. Pack a suitcase
A hold baggage will allow you to carry more things and lighten your hand baggage. Fill your hold baggage as much as possible rather than carry-on baggage; the less you carry in your hand luggage, the less likely you are to be searched.
- Clothes, toiletries, and souvenirs can all go in the hold baggage.
- Also put the books in the hold luggage, unless you want to read one on the plane.
- Electronic devices, such as cameras and laptops, and valuables, such as jewelry, should always go in hand luggage.
Step 2. Carry only the essentials in your hand luggage
If the suitcase is too full, security officers may not be able to check it correctly on X-rays; this increases the likelihood of being stopped for a baggage search. Necessary things could be:
- Mobile phone.
- Laptop or tablet.
- Camera.
- Battery charger.
- A magazine or book to read on the plane.
- Medicines.
- Food or milk for small children.
- A change of clothes (in case your hold baggage is lost).
Step 3. Prepare what you will bring in your suitcase
Before packing your hand luggage, arrange everything you intend to bring on your bed, desk or table. This will let you know if you are carrying too many things, will help you organize your belongings in the most efficient way and will allow you to notice if you are forgetting something.
- Sort things by the type of object: clothes with clothes, chargers with matching electronic devices, and so on.
- Make sure you have your ID card or passport ready (depending on where you are headed) and your flight ticket.
Step 4. Check banned items thoroughly
Some items can only go in the hold, while others are completely prohibited. Make sure you don't bring such items in your hand luggage: if you are found in possession of a prohibited item, you risk being detained and being late.
- Bleach, lighter fuel, gasoline, aerosol cans, and any other flammable or explosive materials are prohibited on aircraft.
- Weapons (such as pistols, tasers, and knives), sports equipment (such as baseball bats, golf clubs, or ski poles), and e-cigarettes must go in checked baggage.
Step 5. Avoid carrying large items
Bulky and unusually shaped objects, although not technically prohibited, can induce security officers to manually inspect the suitcase. If you have to bring such items, put them in your hold or take them out of your carry-on before you get to security. Some things you should be aware of are:
- Large electronic appliances, such as Xboxes, portable DVD players, or assisted ventilation machines.
- Bulky books, manuals or dictionaries.
- Large crystals, such as geodes.
- Dense metal objects.
Method 2 of 3: Organize the Baggage
Step 1. Put the clothes on the bottom
If you carry clothes in your hand luggage, you should fold or roll them and put them in the bottom of the suitcase, along with any other items you don't need until you reach your destination.
Step 2. Put the liquids in a clear plastic bag
Although bags may be available at the airport, you should still prepare liquids in advance. Get a 1 liter plastic bag. Containers for liquids must not exceed 100ml each and must be able to fit into the bag.
- Containers with a capacity greater than 100 ml must go in the hold baggage, even if the actual amount of liquid inside is less.
- Instead of buying bathroom products in travel versions, you can buy reusable travel containers and fill them at home with your favorite products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.).
Step 3. Put electronics and liquids on top
Laptops and liquids need to be taken out of your baggage during checks, so make sure they're easily accessible - put them on top of other things so you can get them out quickly.
Step 4. Put your documents and money in the outer pockets of the baggage
You will need to have your ticket, ID and wallet handy. You can't keep them in your pocket during checks, so slip them into an outside suitcase pocket and take them out at the appropriate time.
If you carry a purse or briefcase with you as an extra accessory, you can keep your documents and ticket there. But make sure you can pull them out quickly so you don't find yourself having to rummage through your bag
Step 5. Organize everything carefully
Well-organized bags allow security officers to quickly X-ray them. When packing your suitcase, arrange things carefully.
- Fold your clothes. You can buy suitcase organizers to keep your clothes from creasing.
- Wrap the chargers and put them together with the electronics.
- Stack the books.
- Larger electronic devices such as laptops need to be x-rayed separately. If you place them at the top of your luggage, you can get them out quickly without turning the rest of the contents upside down.
Method 3 of 3: Choose the Right Baggage
Step 1. Measure the suitcase
Airlines have specific guidelines regarding the size of hand luggage. If your suitcase is too large, they may stop you at security or at the gate. Check what the maximum dimensions allowed by your company are and make sure your baggage is within the limits.
- Each airline has its own specific rules, but generally the baggage should not exceed 115 linear centimeters. This means that the sum of the height, depth and length of the baggage, as a whole, must not exceed 115 centimeters.
- You should always measure a suitcase before buying it. It is not certain that it is suitable for use as hand luggage just because the label supports it.
Step 2. If you travel to the US, look for a TSA approved laptop bag
In the United States, you may not have to take out your laptop if you have a bag approved by the Transport Security Administration. Bags of this type have a separate compartment in which to insert the laptop, which can be X-rayed without having to take it out. You can't put anything else in this pocket; the mouse and the power supply must go to another compartment.
Step 3. Bring an extra accessory
Most airlines allow you to carry a small bag in addition to your carry-on suitcase. Carrying an extra bag would save you space: if it's big enough, you can put your liquids, documents, wallet and laptop in it and keep items that don't need to be inspected in your suitcase. The most common accessories are:
- Handbag.
- Laptop bag.
- Carrying case.
Advice
- In the United States, you can request the TSA Pre-Check, a preliminary check carried out by the Transportation Safety Administration. If successful, you can go through airport checks in a special queue without having to take out any liquids or electronic devices.
- Make sure you have an identity card or passport with you before heading to the airport.
- Do not wear jewelry or other metal objects during security checks. Wearing slip-on shoes can also help you save time.
Warnings
- There is no guarantee that you will not be stopped for a random baggage search, so make sure you arrive at the airport well in advance.
- Do not try to bring sharp or flammable objects into the aircraft.
