Getting Your Family Through Airport Security Quickly

How and What You Should Pack to Move Efficiently Through Airport Security.

by Jason Ram

When it comes to planning a trip outside the country - especially to destinations several hours away by air - the difficulties in doing such have only become worse. New additional security practices now in place and enforced on behalf of the U.S. overseas have placed yet another roadblock between travelers and their ultimate destinations. After experiencing some these procedures on a recent family trip outside of the United States, I've created a list of the following recommendations passengers, especially those traveling with family or groups, might find very useful in regards to what items might be more important to carry than others overseas.

Baby bottles, powders and other items Security procedures regarding the tube/bottle ban are heavily enforced at airports abroad, more specifically for flights bound for the U.S. When packing these items, please take only the smallest amounts possible. Canned, jarred or processed baby food is permitted onto the aircraft, as well as gel or liquid-filled teethers, though juice and all other liquids or gels are not. Passengers who take baby supplies through must have toddlers traveling with them. Overseas, security guards will check passenger's carryon luggage just before boarding the aircraft as any products packaged in tubes or bottles will not be allowed onboard.

Clothing If you are traveling in the South Pacific, chances are it will be very warm, and wearing light, comfortable clothing in the airport that conforms to the shape and contour of the body will help your family both keep cool and possibly lessen your chances of being inspected. Though, of course, this is not guaranteed, it can help make the security screening process overseas a little easier.

Identification You should keep you and your family's passports on hand in an easy-to-reach place until safely onboard the aircraft, as it will be asked of you several times prior to boarding. Your passport number will be needed when cabin crew distribute customs pamphlets, usually given out a few hours prior to landing, and request specific information about exactly what you or your family is carrying into the country. Keeping passports in a safe, handy place will help avoid scrambling for them when they are needed.

Souvenirs Please be careful about what the shape and size of these items are. Any item, regardless of actual purpose or intent, found by security to carry a sharp edge will need to be either placed into checked baggage or mailed away via postal service in the airport.