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Security Details

How to avoid setting off all the bells and whistles.

by Jenna Mahoney

Picture it: You arrive at the airport and sail straight through security without being frisked and wanded. It’s the stuff that travel dreams are made of—especially honeymoon dreams. With these steps you can fly through the security checkpoint with the greatest of ease.

X-ray Vision

Everything you carry or wear, from your coat to your shoes, must be placed on the security belt. This includes food, reading materials and electronics. Scarves, sweaters and travel wraps must also be scanned. (Remember bottles of water or any liquids are a strict no-no.) The only thing you are permitted to carry through the metal detector is your photo ID and boarding pass. Before you reach security, remove the plastic bag filled with your toiletries from your carry-on and place it in one bin with your bag. Place all your clothing, including shoes, in another.

Dress for Success

The key to getting through security quickly is being properly prepared, says John E. DiScala founder of the Internet travel portal JohnnyJet.com and a frequent traveler who can get from curbside to gate in two minutes flat. “Before I leave for the airport,” he says, “I save steps by putting my wallet, keys, cellphone and, most importantly, my change in my jacket pocket, so that I know where everything is, because all of it will have to go into the bin.” DiScala suggests wearing slip-on shoes and socks. “Remember that you’ll have to take your shoes off, and do you really want to be walking on the airport floor in bare feet?” Keep accessories to a minimum, advises Anne L. Fritz, editor of The Jet Set Girls, a travel, beauty and fashion website. Nowadays it makes good sense to leave the belts, bracelets and other large metal jewelry at home, she says. “If you have a body piercing you may want to take that off ahead of time too, since it can send metal detectors into overdrive.”

Pack Right

By now everyone should be familiar with the 3-1-1 rule, which states you must carry all liquids and gels in containers not exceeding three ounces and that the containers must be sealed in a one-quart plastic baggie (one per person). Place the plastic bag on the top of everything else in your carry-on luggage, advises DiScala, because easy access is key to sailing through the checkpoint. He also suggests bringing extra Ziploc bags in your carry-on in case you forgot to properly store any items. That’s the best way to avoid having the forgotten items confiscated.

Use common sense when packing, and don’t try to carry on items like scissors, pocketknives and golf clubs. “You may want to leave those ‘love cuffs’ you got at the bachelorette party at home,” says Fritz. “The guys at security won’t think they’re so funny. You may be embarrassed when they take them out of your bag in front of everyone in line.” Also take note that any wrapped gifts you’re bringing home may be unwrapped by security. So save the bows and ribbons for later.

If you’re bringing your laptop, take it out of its case and put it on the security belt, says Fritz. Before your trip, call your hotel to see if iPod docking stations and speakers are available. That’ll save you having to bring your own and trying to untangle a bunch of wires while standing at the security checkpoint.

Lose the Luggage

DiScala notes that because this is a special trip, you may just want to ship your baggage ahead of time. Since many airlines now charge $25 or more for checked bags, sending them via FedEx may not only save you money but time as well. And that’s the key to having a very happy honeymoon.

Remember: Knowledge is power. A few days before your flight is scheduled to leave, check the TSA’s website, tsa.gov, to see if there have been any unexpected changes in regulations.

Photography: Kenzie Shores Photography