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Going through check-in, security and customs at an
airport can be pretty scary. There are all sorts of people saying "do
this" and "do that," and not all of them smile while
they say it. I know it's all about being safe, but it sure doesn't make
me feel safe. The best way to have a smooth trip through check-in, security
and customs – and make it easier for security personnel to find
any real problems, is to know ahead of time exactly what to expect and
how to act.
Here are some helpful tips: |
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| Before your trip: | ||
Pack neatly so that security personnel can see your stuff without messing it up. Fold even dirty clothes.
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Wear comfortable walking shoes that you can take off and put back on easily.
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Make sure your closest-layer shirt is thick enough to be worn by itself, in case they ask you to take off your sweater or jacket.
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Put personal items (underwear!) in clear plastic bags. This way, security personnel won’t have to touch them.
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Put batteries in your camera or game system.
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Pack extra batteries in your checked bag. Security personnel may take them away.
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Put any scissors or cutting tools in your checked bag and not your carry-on. As of February 2006, the FAA says that it is okay to bring scissors that have blades four inches (10 cm) long or shorter in a carry-on, but some airports are still touchy about them.
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| -At check in: | ||
| Ask whether the airport allows people to use the luggage lock on their checked bags. Every airport has different rules. | ||
At security: |
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Put your laptop and jacket in the tray on the conveyor belt. Only put your shoes, camera or other electronic items like cell phones there if the security personnel ask you to.
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| Have your boarding pass and ID ready in your hand.
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Don’t worry about your film. The X-ray machine won’t ruin it.
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Don’t worry about radiation. The metal detector works like a big magnet. It doesn't hurt or make people sick.
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Put any coins and metal jewelry on the special tray provided by security.
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Don’t worry if you beep when you go through the metal detector. Just check for metal items and try again.
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Don’t worry if you beep a second time. An airport employee will come with a small "wand" metal detector and help you find the metal piece you missed.
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Remember to get ALL your stuff back from the conveyor belt.
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Don’t hog all the room while you're putting your shoes back on.
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Don’t make a fuss if they take something away, like a pocket knife or crochet hook.
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Ask if the airport has a "mail my pocket knife back home" service.
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| On the plane: | ||
Don’t say words like "bomb" or even "balm," even if what you're talking about has nothing to do with planes. They may be misinterpreted and the consequences can be dire.
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Count the number of rows between your seat and the nearest exit. Do this for the emergency exit in front of your seat and the one behind your seat. In case of an emergency you need to be prepared to crawl to either exit and the plane might be filled with smoke.
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Pay attention to the safety demonstration. If you have seen it many times try to anticipate what the flight attendant will say next.
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| In an emergency: | ||
Do what the flight attendants and pilots tell you. It may save your life.
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Don’t panic. A calm and quiet mind is your best friend.
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| At customs: | ||
You have to know exactly what you're carrying, so unwrap any packages or presents long before your flight. If asked, open them to show the customs agents what is inside. If you are bringing a present for someone else, wrap it after you arrive.
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Don't make jokes or extra conversation. Let the customs agents concentrate on their jobs.
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| The whole time at the airport: | ||
Have your ID where you can reach it the whole time. For domestic (inside the country) trips, kids can usually use a school ID, but if you don't have one, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate. For international trips, all passengers need passports and sometimes Visas.
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Say "please" and "thank you."
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| Enjoy every part of your trip, from the minute you set foot in the airport until the minute you get home. | ||
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SAFETY
IN THE SKY |
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