How to prepare for the security check at airport?

How to prepare for the security check at airport? 

Security check is an inevitable part of air travel. The security checkpoints are operated by the Transportation Security Officers from the Transportation Security Administration to prevent any harmful objects being carried by the terrorists or the travelers aboard.  

Each passenger and his/her baggage have to undergo through the security check. This will take a longer time if it is a peak hour of traveling. It is so advised that all passengers be ready to cope up with the delay happening due to these security measures.  

Though you cannot avoid it at all, you can take precautions while preparing for the journey. The following tips will ensure a hassle-free security checking. 

Clothing: You are allowed to wear any types of clothing including the head covering.  However, you may have to wait for additional security checking if you are wearing loose garments that are large enough to hide   prohibited items. At the additional screening, there will be re-screening by the hand-wands and a pat-down inspection including the torso. The US airline policy suggests that the security screening should be done by the same gender.  

You are not allowed to wear any type of jackets or coats while security check. It is advised that you keep your coats and jackets in the baggage and avoid the delay in the security check.  

You are not allowed to wear shoes while security check. It is therefore advised that you keep disposable footwear that can be disposed after the screening. 

Accessories such as metal ornaments, watch, big safety pins, belt-buckles, etc., can cause alarm and redirect you for additional checking. It is therefore advised that you avoid carrying accessories such as heavy ornaments and take out the removable items such as the mobile phones, PDAs, keys, etc., and keep them in the plastic bags provided there. You will be allowed to remove the other items at a private place and then go through the screening process again.  

Identity Proof: Always carry the ID proof issued by the government authority along with the airline-boarding pass until the security check is over. Absence of an ID proof will mandate additional checking. 

You can procure your boarding pass from the airline ticket counter or from the self-service ticket kiosk. You can also print it from the airline’s website.  

Prohibited items: It is illegal to carry items such as weapons, metallic tools, explosives or items that catch fire easily. However, with effect from September 26, 2006, passengers are allowed to carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag. However, all liquids, gels and aerosols should be carried in three-ounce or smaller containers. Certain prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines, baby food, breast milk and other essential liquids are exempted from this rule. However, verify the details with the airlines authority before arriving at the airport. 

It may take your precious time at the airport to wait and go through the stringent security check. But make a point that you follow the guidelines strictly and cooperate with the security personnel to ensure a safer travel.