Security Checkpoint at SEATAC Airport - Photo Courtesy Port of Seattle ©Don Wilson

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As the holidays are upon travelers, there are things to be aware of when flying that can help ease the frustration and pain of airline travel.  Seattle Travel Industry Examiner has compiled a few points to help you get through the holidays with ease and tranquility.  However, these tips are only for the traveling time.  You have to figure out for yourself how to get along with the family once you have arrived at your destination.

• Have your passport or other government ID, along with your boarding pass, ready to present to a TSA official prior to entry into the line for the x-ray checkpoint.
• If you are carrying a laptop notebook or netbook, have it in a convenient location to quickly place into one of the bins at the checkpoint to pass through the x-ray machine.
• Wear easy-to-remove shoes, as you will have to remove them and place in a bin for passing through the x-ray machine at the security checkpoint.
• Do not try to take bottled water onboard.  Buy bottled water in the airport after you have cleared security.
• If you are going to take liquids onboard in your carryon, have them in 3 ounce or less containers and all in a clear quart plastic sealed bag (any brand bag, but similar to a “ZipLoc®” bag). 
• If you have prescription medications you may need to take, either in transit or immediately following your arrival at your destination, take enough with you on board in your carry-on.  Per TSA, medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.. 
• Have the zip-top quart bag in an easy to remove section of your carry-on.  You will need to produce that quart bag and place into one of the bins to go through the x-ray machine at the security checkpoint.
• Remove all coats and sweaters and place them into a bin for the x-ray machine as well.
• Empty your pockets of everything, not just loose change.  Keys, cell phones, loose change, watches, heavy metal jewelry should all go into a bin for the x-ray machine.  If you wear a belt with a heavy metal buckle, remove it and place in the bin.
• Should you have had surgery or medical treatment that has resulted in any form of metal being placed in your body, you might want to get a travel certificate or medical note from your doctor and carry it in your travel documents.  You will still be removed from the normal process and required to have the wand waved around you but the personnel will be “in the know” as they do the procedure.  You should allow the additional time to your boarding process to accommodate that procedure. 
• If you have small children traveling with you, watch for the line that accommodates families and has extra personnel to help get you through the checkpoint.  By moving to those lines, you will reduce the frustration of the people around you and therefore your own frustration level.

Contact Carlanne via email:  travelindustryexaminer@gmail.com
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