29/05/2005
From the US come suggestions on how we can all make our journey through airports that much easier
As leisure travellers take to the skies this summer, it is more important than ever to be a savvy and well-prepared traveller. Americans last year took around 223 million leisure trips in spring, which was a rise from the previous year.
In the spirit of travel preparation here is a checklist of 10 convenient tips listed by the Travel Industry Association Of America.
1. Check the Permitted and Prohibited Items list on the TSA web site. It pays to check the list before travelling.
2. As you head toward the security area, take a deep breath and remain calm! Check and be sure you have your boarding pass and a government-issued photo identification card or passport ready for security personnel.
3. Place valuables (jewellery, cash, laptop computers, and cash) only in carry-on baggage.
4. Before you get to the screening checkpoint, place your mobile phones, keys, loose change, money clips, PDA’s, lighters, and metal hair accessories in your carry-on bag.
5. At the X-ray, remove your laptop from its case and send it through the X-ray machine in its own plastic tray. Don’t forget to label your laptop computer with your name, address and telephone number. These are one of the most frequently forgotten items at screening checkpoints.
6. Store all undeveloped film or flash discs and cameras containing film in your carry-on baggage. Ask for a hand inspection if you want to ensure that the X-ray machine does not damage your film or disc.
7. If you are bringing a gift to friends or relatives, wrap it after you arrive at your destination. Otherwise, you might have to unwrap it to pass through security – even if it is in checked luggage.
8. Avoid carrying bottles of liquid through the screening checkpoint.
9 Take your time unpacking and repacking your belongings – or you may leave your laptop, keys, or wallet behind.
10 Be prepared to remove your shoes and belt; many contain small pieces of metal