Here are Some Important Tips to Reduce Your Wait at Airport Security.

Before the Airport

• Make sure you Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. Some items are permitted in checked baggage but not carry-on read the TSA Permitted and Prohibited Items (PDF 319KB) list to determine which items to pack in checked baggage.
  • Place valuables such as jewelry, cash, laptop computers, and cash in carry-on baggage only.
• Do not bring wrapped presents to the airport. You should either ship wrapped packages ahead of time or wrap on arrival. Security will need to unwrap packages if they set off the alarms.
• Try to avoid wearing shoes, clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector. (You may need to remove your shoes to pass thru security, wearing easily removed shoes will make the security process easier.)
• Undeveloped film and cameras with film should be put in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
• Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases.
• Place identification tags in and on all of your baggage. Label your laptop computer. These are one of the most forgotten items at Screening Checkpoints.
• If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA recognized lock.

At the Airport

Keep available your airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID for each adult traveler until you exit the security checkpoint.

• Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
  • Mobile phones
  • keys
  • Loose change
  • Money clips
  • PDA's
  • Lighters
  • Large amounts of Jewelry
  • Metal hair decorations
  • Large belt buckles
• Take OUT your laptop computer. Place it in a bin, separate from its carrying case.
• Take OFF your outer coat. Place it in a bin. Suit jackets and blazers do not have to be removed, unless requested by the screener.

For more information from the TSA on preparing to travel by air click on the TSA link Prepare for Takeoff under Air Travel

For information on transporting special items click on the TSA link Transporting Special Items under Air Travel

For information on checked baggage and the screening process click on the TSA link Checked Baggage under Prepare for Takeoff

Source: Transportation Security Administration, http://www.tsa.gov/public/index.jsp