Carry-On Security Tips

If you've flown over the past few years, you know how painful it can be getting through security. At this point, frequent travelers have the drill down fairly well and the lines through security, while still long, seem to move a bit more smoothly. If you don't travel often, it's important to remember the rules regarding carry-on bags.

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure

We all know how dangerous 4 or 5 ounces of toothpaste can be, so it is vital for our security to remember these rules. Actually, it doesn't really make us any safer but we all know that, however, if we need to fly commercial we don't have much choice other than to allow the TSA to subject us to this nonsense.

I usually travel with a single carry on bag that contains my Macbook. While I have no idea behind their reasoning, other to make it appear that it makes us more secure, we still have to take our laptops out of their case and place them into a bin by themselves. I guess those xray machines that are supposed to detect dangerous items like nail clippers, are not powerful enough to see through my canvas bag. Yes it does nothing to keep us safer, but if we want to get on the plane without too many hassles, we have to follow their ridiculous rules. Having a bag that makes it easy to get your laptop into and out of is essential for a quick trip through the line.

Quick Security Tips

• While in line, empty your pockets and place your keys, wallet and jewelry into your carry-on bag
• Wear slip-on shoes to make it easy to get them on and off and on your way to the terminal quickly
• Use a bag that makes it easy to remove and replace your laptop

For short trips I use a bag that keeps my laptop safe, holds a change of clothes and has a pocket especially for my watch, jewelry and wallet. It is very similar to the Solo Overnighter I keep my liquids in the front pocket, wear a pair of loafers and get through the lines quickly. Flying is still a pain, especially when one of the TSA "professionals" decides to leaf through my book and I loose my place. You never know, I may have had 4 ounces of deodorant hidden in there!