If you’re like me, the last thing you want on a business trip or on a vacation is to waste time in airport security. That’s what happens, of course, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
By taking certain precautions, you can avoid time delays such as having to empty your carry-on bag or dealing with what are inane questions for you.
To breeze through airport security, here are some recommendations:
Follow Twitter accounts for flight news
Here is a sample of Twitter accounts that will inform you about travel issues — from travel waivers to new routes:
@AirlineGossip
@AviationNewsIRL
@WorldALNews
@TSA
@AskTSA
@Delta
@United
For your notebook computer, use a TSA-approved bag
Yes, there are checkpoint-friendly bags, which mean you won’t have to unpack your computer.
Precautions about what and how to pack
TSA has regulations concerning what’s allowed in your checked and carry-on bags. Got a question, again you can tweet the TSA, @AskTSA.
Plan what to wear on the flight
Keep your pockets empty as possible.
Avoid wearing certain clothing items so you’re not hassled unnecessarily. That means not wearing a belt or wearing jewelry. Wear basic slip-on shoes.
Use Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
If you’re flying internationally, consider applying for Global Entry. For $100, it will get you through airport security faster and avoid customs. It includes the benefits of TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck means a fast airport security process. You’ll have to apply online and in person. You’ll get a five-year permit for $85.
Take advantage of the Mobile Passport App
Mobile Passport is a free app authorized by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. It does not require a background check, personal interview or pre-approval. Even though the app is not recognized everywhere, more than two dozen airports and a few cruise ports do.
If you pay $15 for Mobile Passport Plus, included are a document scanner and passport storage.
From the Coach’s Corner, here are related sources of information for business and personal travel:
Before You Travel Abroad, Take 6 Financial Precautions Today — Whether you’re traveling to a foreign country for business or pleasure — there are at least six steps you should take. You need to do more than just making sure that your passport is current, planning your itinerary or deciding what to pack.
Travel — Avoid Paying Foreign Currency Exchange Fees — When traveling abroad for vacation or business, foreign currency-exchange fees can get costly for thrifty-minded people. There are steps you can take to avoid extra fees in exchanging currency.
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Checklist for Productivity During a Flight Delay at an Airport — It’s frustrating to be stranded at an airport or in a hotel room from a flight delay caused by inclement weather or airline computer breakdowns. Here are 21 tips for productivity when you’re stranded.
11 Travel Tips – Save Money, Prevent against Cyber Theft, Fraud — The most vulnerable travelers are people who have to use Internet and e-mail. They’re in danger expressly from vulnerabilities, such as from wirelessly accessible passports to using WIFI.
4 Tips to Defend Against Hackers When Traveling Overseas — Two major U.S. newspapers accuse China of hacking their systems. This is a reminder for businesspeople to take precautions when traveling overseas.
6 Top Tips for Etiquette in Business Travel — If you’re into people-watching, the airport is an entertaining place to be. You’ll see all kinds of personalities. That’s especially true for the wide variety of business travelers. For successful trips, business travelers share one common trait. They need to be mindful of business etiquette.
Trending: ‘Bleisure’ Travel in Europe — Annually in Europe, 30 percent of travelers are businesspeople. Ostensibly, many are increasingly adding days to their business travels to take a leisure break. Hoteliers welcome the trend and dub it bleisure travel.
Finance Your Vacation with Credit Card Travel Reward Points — If you plan well, you can finance most of your family’s vacation with travel reward points. The trick is to learn all the ways you can earn points. This entails far more than just buying airline tickets or reserving a hotel room.
To Avoid the Agony of Lost Luggage: 7 Precautions — You’ve confidently waited at the airport’s carousel for your luggage. But it wasn’t there. Your hands began to perspire as you became more apprehensive. Next came the migraine. If an airline has ever lost your luggage, you know how aggravating it is. Here’s how to prevent it.
”Adventure may hurt you but monotony will kill you.”
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