Hot-Button Topic: Airport Security

Getting through airport security is this quarter’s hot-button topic. Many of you have reported experiencing lengthy delays and intrusive security procedures at airports across the nation. In some cases, you just may be the unlucky target of a random check. In most instances, you can avoid having a security wand shoved down the front of your pants by following some common sense rules.

• Check a bag. If you don’t, you may be put on the ‘most likely to be frisked before boarding’ list.
• Don’t approach security with more than one carry-on bag and a purse or with golfing or skiing equipment. You’ll just make things miserable for yourself and everyone behind you.
• Keep the Texas-sized belt buckle commemorating the Alamo at home. Likewise, the big-hoop earrings and other large metal accessories. Even bras with a lot of metal underwiring are causing the detectors to sing.
• Check your footwear. Now that the phrase "shoe-bomb" has become a part of everyday vernacular, you’re more likely to be targeted if you are wearing platform shoes or sneakers that light up. Some unlucky travelers have even discovered that their shoes are manufactured with strips of metal in the soles.
• Remove everything metallic from your bag. There’s a reason the crunchy granola type with the sandals and hemp bag sailed through security. Take a lesson from the hemp lady on travel day and leave the fancy bag and metal accessories at home or in your checked luggage.
• Invest in see-through plastic luggage organizers. Not only do these items make it easy for you to find fresh underwear after your security pat-down, they also speed manual inspections and leave the contents of your bag less scrambled.
• Never, ever, say the words ‘bomb’ or ‘explosive’—even casually, unless you want to get dragged off for interrogation like Greg Fokker in Meet the Parents.