Surviving Airport Screening Checkpoints

In recent years, as well as recent months, air travel rules have changed.  If you are planning on flying, you will find that most of these changes have occurred right at airports, particularly airport security checkpoints.  Before you head off to catch a flight tomorrow or  in two weeks, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with these new air travel rules.

Most passengers think there is only one checkpoint at the airport, but the reality is that there are three and sometimes four.  The first checkpoint in several airports is upon entering the airport building, as in the Manila International Airport.  Only passengers are allowed to enter, and guards ask for one’s passport as identification.

At most airports though, security points starts at the airline Check-in counter, where the passenger checks in for a flight.  Here, the passenger is given his seat assignment and is issued his boarding pass.  He also hands over any baggage to be check-in.  In addition to handing over your plane tickets or requesting your boarding passes, you will need to show the proper forms of identification such as  a driver’s license or a government issued identification card or passport.

Once you have received all of your boarding passes, for all of your flights, you will need to hand over your luggage that you will be loaded in the plane’s cargo hold. These bags are commonly referred to as checked baggage or checked luggage.  As with your carry-on luggage, your checked baggage will need to be checked for prohibited items. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are.  Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, which is looking for powdery substances.

When you have been cleared to the next stage, you will need to go through the main airport security checkpoints. This point is where you will be required to have your carry-on luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. You will also need to walk through a metal detector.  the past, only random travelers were asked to remove their shoes for checking.  However, after 9-11, all air travelers, with the exception of those with a disability or hindering medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. Your shoes will be x-rayed, along with the rest of your carry-on luggage.

Unnecessary incidents can be prevented by familiarizing yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane,  for both checked luggage and carry-on.  In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security.  Ensuring that you leave all prohibited items at home is the best way to prevent this unnecessary tie up, which may cause you to miss your flight.

Once you have been cleared at the main security checkpoint, you will need to go through one more final security checkpoint before being able to board your airplane.  When entering the airport terminal, after your airline has granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass.  As this time you may need to show your identification again; however, it isn’t always necessary. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but you may be pulled aside in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. That is why it is best that you stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage.

Perhaps, the best way to ensure that your next flight is as pleasant as it can be is to follow all air travel rules.  Knowing these rules ahead of time, including the screening process, you should ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident.