Airport Security Gets a Bad Rap

Love it or hate it, airport security is of utmost importance in a post-9/11 world. Thankfully, high-tech retinal scans and behavioral detection are helping keep travelers safe.

A necessary evil. Of course no one likes removing their shoes, or having unmentionables on display for proper airport security screening. And yes, we all get annoyed at showing up to the airport two hours early to undergo said airport security measures, only to be grilled about a bottle of water we neglected to declare. But, for all their follies (and the indignant passengers they offend), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) seems to be keeping terrorists at bay. Since airport security is the last line of defense in the chain of anti-terrorism measures, we’ve really got to grin and bear it. Savvy travelers, however, have figured out that being armed with the latest airport security guidelines -- plus a healthy dose of patience -- equals navigating the process relatively unscathed.

Airport Security Guidelines

Regardless if you are a first-time flyer or a seasoned vet, airport security guidelines change all the time. TSA means it when they say that bringing prohibited items -- even by accident -- through airport security is illegal. Don't test them. For this reason, checking the TSA airport security restrictions have become as routine as scouring the net for cheap flights. A few hard heads refuse this step, forcing them to check or even surrender beloved items. In order to avoid this scenario, here are a few airport security guidelines to help:


• Liquids, gels or aerosols of 3-ounces or less can be carried on. There are exceptions for baby formula, prescriptions and breast milk, but you'd better verify with the TSA on how much before you go.
• "Declare" these 3-ounce items in a 1-quart, zip-top clear plastic baggie, one per traveler. Place this baggie on the airport security x-ray to be scanned separately.
• You know better than to try and take these things through airport security in the first place. No knives, razors, scissors, box cutters, swords, guns, ammunition, lighters and more. Check with TSA for what constitutes "more".


Tips for Airport Security Screening

Knowing what you can and can't bring through airport security is only half the battle. The way you maneuver through airport security may mean the difference between enjoying a pre-flight latte and running like a banshee through the terminal. These tips should make the process easier:

• Get to the airport two hours early. It's the only way to account for unpredictable airport security lines.
• Never leave your bags unattended. And if you must lock them, use TSA approved locks, so they can get in without cutting off your existing locks.
• Don’t accept anything from strangers … ever.
• Sorry Santa, but please don't wrap your gifts. Airport security does not like this at all.
• Carry-on your undeveloped film. Although airport security scanners for carry-on aren't as damaging as for checked baggage, there's still no guarantee it will survive.
• Be prepared to take off your shoes, belt, heavy jewelry and jacket. If you're wearing baggy clothes, you might be singled out for further screening. You can request a private airport security room if necessary.
• Empty your pockets of change, mobile phones, keys, laptops and anything else you can think of for scanning. Airport security may suggest you put it in your plastic baggie, minus the laptop of course.
• Keep boarding pass and ID out until you pass airport security. Plus, hang onto baggage claim tickets in case your destination airport has tight airport security on the way out.
• If you have to undergo extra airport security screening, calm down. Getting upset won't make the process go any faster.


Airport Security Goes High-Tech

With millions of people passing through airport security every day, TSA certainly has their hands full. It is this habitual observation of human behavior that offers TSA a distinct advantage over ne'er-do-wells; they can spot fear and deception. TSA is actively training behavioral detection officers in their SPOT program for use in airport security nationwide. Short for Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques, these trained officers "spot" high stress behaviors above and beyond normal airport security screening stress. And it's working. On August 1, 2007, SPOT officers observed suspicious behavior in front of a Baltimore airline ticket counter. Turns out this individual was carrying a loaded gun and 30 rounds of ammunition. TSA plans on having more than 500 SPOT officers manning transportation, including airport security, by the end of 2008.

Airport security is big business these days. Leave it to good old American ingenuity to find a way to circumvent traditional airport security lines. Florida based Clear has devised a registered traveler program in a handful of airports, including JFK and SFO, that works with both TSA and airport security. For an annual fee, customers can undergo TSA background checks. If accepted, the Clear traveler will be issued an encrypted ID card complete with their fingerprints and retinal scans. Card carrying members can forego long airport security lines with exclusive airport security concierge lines. Dubbed "Lexus Lanes" by critics, Clear offers a service for those willing -- and able -- to undergo strict airport security background checks.

Flying is still the safest way to travel. Airport security agencies like the TSA are simply doing their best to keep it that way.