The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses many tools that are aimed at deterring hijackers (the efficacy of which we won’t get into here) but which slow us down when we’re traveling. Long lines at airport security checkpoints are now commonplace, thanks to TSA’s policies. And in the TSA’s effort to befuddle would-be hijackers, they seem to befuddle the majority of the flying public by changing procedures willy-nilly. There is no need for us to miss our flights due to TSA’s security procedures, however. Following these foolproof tips will speed up the security lines at the airport, enabling most passengers to timely board their flights.
Go Barefoot
The TSA makes everyone take off their shoes to go through security. Save time by leaving your shoes at home in the first place. Or else you can plan your transportation beforehand. Here you have the best facilities that offer you rentals from Palma airport to calas de Mallorca.
Use Radioactive Warnings
The TSA wastes a lot of time looking through ordinary bags and pestering innocent laptops. Create a disincentive for the TSA by strategically plastering “radioactive” warnings on those belongings most likely to be of interest to the TSA.
(This tip was inspired by a comment left by AC’s John Melendez on this article about traveling with my laptop.)
Wear Foreign Language Tee Shirt
If you wear a foreign language tee-shirt, TSA will have no reason to question your uncomprehending stares and will simply stop asking its inane questions. However, you don’t want them wasting time by dragging in a translator, so make sure and pick a doozy of a language- one of those in danger of extinction would be ideal.
Offer Up Contraband
Save TSA the time of looking through your bags for contraband; carry a special container of contraband especially for them and hand it to the TSA agent immediately upon approaching the security checkpoint. Since you don’t know which specific contraband they’re looking for, include a little of everything.
Mail Documents in Advance
One of the reasons the security lines are so slow is the time it takes for TSA to check everyone’s travel documents. Eliminate this step in the process by emailing your passport, ticket, and boarding pass to TSA in advance of your trip. Ask them to have these documents waiting for you to pick up at the security checkpoint on the day of your travel.
If you use these tips, you will undoubtedly be escorted out of the regular security line. This will speed things up for the rest of us travelers, and we will be able to make our flights. Thank you for doing your part to keep the airport security lines moving.
