Get through security quicker in the USA

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) have put together a handy guide to beating the queue at the American airport. Besides, who wants to stand in line for hours? Visas4USA have extracted some really handy and efficient tips on how to prepare for your visit to the states…

Quick tips

• Arrive early/on time. Allowing enough time to check baggage and going through security is advised. The TSA says, “Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with the air carrier.”
• Wear comfortable footwear that can be easily removed, preferably slip-on shoes. This way, if you are asked to remove them at security for further inspection, you won’t be fiddling around with laces or buckles for a while.
• If you’re travelling with children and a pushchair then you’ll save time by collapsing the pushchair before you arrive at security. You can then proceed through the metal detector with your children before putting the pushchair through the X-ray.

Proficient Packing – Hand Luggage

• When it comes to packing the luggage you are carrying on-board, you’ll save time by carefully layering your items, which will help security officers see what’s in your bag with ease. The TSA explain, “innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they are packed.”

• Try to avoid packing electronic items such as laptops, large video cameras and games consoles into your hand luggage when possible. These items must be removed anyway for separate X-ray screening. Mobile devices, iPods and other smaller electronic devices can remain in your hand luggage.

• Transfer all of your liquid items in a in a 1 quart-sized clear plastic bag beforehand, in order to save time when you arrive at the airport. The maximum size of each container is 100ml.

• If you’re travelling with any gifts, it’s advised to avoid wrapping these items until arriving at your final destination. This is because the security officers may need to inspect the package and unwrap the gifts.

• If you’re unsure whether an item is prohibited or not then it’s probably best to leave the item at home. View the list of the prohibited items here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Documents at the ready

Have your boarding pass and identification at hand or somewhere accessible so that the Transportation Security Officer can check them.

Don’t forget to pack your ESTA before you travel! If you haven’t already been issued an ESTA then Visas4USA can help. Apply online today or find out more.

Dress appropriately

The TSA says, “Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) have to resolved any anomaly detected at the checkpoint. If travelers alarm when passing through a metal detector or advanced image technology unit, additional screening will be required.”

As a result of this, remember to remove body piercings where possible to avoid addition screening. Head coverings and other religious garments are permitted and remember that shoes must be removed before entering the screening technology. Remove any belts or other metal items so that they can be X-rayed.

For more information of Advanced Image Technology Screening then visit TSA’s website.

Back to USA Travel Tips