Last week, a favorite radio show of mine got together with Jad Mouawad, airline correspondent for The New York Times, to discuss airport security. Is it better in a post 9/11 world? Is it worse? Is it consistent? The segment was part of a larger series that looked at travel in today’s day in age (Interesting stuff; I suggest you take a listen!). As is fitting with the radio show, there were call-ins from listeners talking about their experiences with security. One thing that became totally apparent to me, your intrepid travel editor, is that there are a few things that no one really talks about when it comes to dealing with security. Without further ado, I present some of my totally important (and personal) observations about dealing with security.
Forget shopping at duty free
I know, it’s soooo tempting to score that bottle of Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, amazing scotch whiskey, or that delectable jamon serrano at the airport, but keep your hands in your pockets. If you are flying internationally and have a connection, your items will be confiscated. Let me state that again: If you are flying internationally and you need to connect planes before your final destination, all liquids over the 3 ounce limit will be not be allowed to be carried on, regardless of point of origin. You will be screened another time before getting on the plane, which means, quite plainly, your stuff will get messed with. Meats are just a general no-no when it comes to the customs police, so don’t do it. Besides getting your salami taken, you can get fined and put on a little list that says you are a problemo, which means you’ll always get a second and third look and pretty much never experience the friendliness of the skies again.
Getting back to the States is super strict
In order to fly into the land of the plenty, airlines have to agree to do double the security checks on all passengers. Most carriers suggest passengers flying to America get to the gate three hours before take-off. Personally, I think if you are there a solid 45-minutes prior to the boarding call, you are fine. Before boarding a USA-bound flight, all passengers are asked to open their carry-on luggage. You will most likely be asked crazy questions, like “did you pack this yourself?” over and over again. And you will get pat down. All water bottles, beer and other fun liquids over the 3 ounce rule must be tossed at this check-point. I know it is silly to think that, if you picked up the water at the LAN first class lounge in Santiago, Chile and you are leaving on LAN from Santiago to NYC, you can’t take the bottle, but you can’t. Trust me: Don’t try to argue, you could wind up on the no-fly list.
Smaller airports make a bigger deal
Maybe it is because they want to show that they are earning their federal dollars, but it seems to me that the smaller the city, the bigger the security hassle. I’ve had the inside of every.single.shoe in my carry-on checked at Westchester (and I had like 6 pairs!), I’ve witnessed someone turn the page of all of my books and magazines in Antigua (and you thought 12 shoes were a lot), and I’ve been wanded a million times over at every other second city airport. Do I look that menacing? At the end of the day, though, the TSA agents are just doing their jobs and it is best to be polite and smile. Things move more quickly and a little more comfortably.
Technology get treated differently
The U.S. is really the only country that consistently makes you take out your laptop and put it through the X-ray screener thing. But—let’s get real here—unless you are Donald Trump or a travel writer, do you really need a laptop on your honeymoon!? All the I’s—pods, -phones, -pads—generally have to be screened. On whether it is in an individual bin or inside your hand luggage varies from country, state and size of airport. Shoes get the same inconsistent treatment. Watch the people in front of you for clues on the customs of the particular airport.
Heathrow allows one bag per person
The international hub limits hand luggage to one per customer, regardless of point of origin. If you are connecting via LHR, pack accordingly. You don’t want to be one of those people having to recheck luggage and pass through security again.
Remember your piercings
All that metal in your nose, belly or unmentionables may set off the scanner, so be prepared.
—Jenna Mahoney
Photo courtesy of TSA
- travel's blog
- Log in or register to post comments
