Zippers and small change

Zippers and small change and just a few things that will slow you up at airport security.

For those who travel frequently airport security can be a breeze.  They will have their electronics out, they won’t be carrying any fluids, there will be no loose change in their pockets.  BUT ….. if they get stuck behind a newbie then they might be held up much longer than they expected.

Small change might seem obvious but what about zippers?  –  Not just the zipper on your trousers …. that won’t cause a problem.  But those fancy jeans, trousers and jackets covered with decorative zippers – yep – those are going to set off the alarms for sure.

So keep it easy and wear sweats.

Of course if you are travelling for business then you can’t get away with sweats (unless you work for Google maybe) but frequent travellers have got this under control.  For newbies here are a few tips –

• Have your boarding pass ready – a real old fashioned printed one.  Forget about having it on your phone – it is a hassle.  And double forget about having it on a smart watch.  Just give the man the piece of paper – that works!
• Do you really have to travel with all those bottles of liquid?  I can understand medication but honestly I have seen people go through security with large plastic bags full of bottles of liquid that they obviously cannot live without.  Pack your liquids in your checked luggage.  If you lose your luggage you have insurance (you do have insurance don’t you????  Seriously!) and you can buy new stuff.  BUT … an  apology to all those super heroes who travel around the world with carry on.  I did it once (a 2 week trip) – I SALUTE YOU!
• Wear shoes that are easy to slip off.  It sounds simplistic but how many times haven’t you seen people fiddling with laced up boots.  Why?  On the other hand – wear a pair of socks if there is a chance that you have to waddle through security barefoot – yuk.
  
• Ladies – leave the charm bracelets at home.  Nothing more irritating standing behind someone who has to remove multiple pieces of heavy jewellery with difficult clasps.

Nothing beats that feeling when you are able to put one bag and your boarding pass in a bin and walk through security without setting off any alarms.  Yay – success!  I even read one frequent traveller’s story about how when he gets through security successfully he gives a fist pump in the air as a victory salute.  He says that security see the funny side of this and he always gets a smile.  I wouldn’t be too sure about doing that.  It might get you into secondary before you know it!