Air Travel: 2 of the things I've learned

[mels]

Originally Posted by SoCalCpl2

I have done the empty bottle thing but have been hassled at quite a few airports and even
had security take the bottle away cause they thought it was fishy

Interesting. I am a frequent flyer and always carry an empty water bottle through security (a reusable bottle, not an empty plastic type). Never once in the 5 years I have been doing that have I been questioned and I have traveled through many airports, big and small, domestic and international. Some airports even have water bottle filling stations instead of having to contend with regular water fountains.

Originally Posted by apexgds

I've got security down to a science. After I show my boarding pass and ID, they go in the front pocket of my laptop bag (always the same spot so there's no wondering later where I put them). When I get up to the scanners, all I have to do is put my bags on the belt (I have a checkpoint friendly laptop bag ... GREAT investment for anyone who travels often with a laptop) and take my shoes off. I have nothing to empty out of pockets, no belts, no watch, and minimal jewelry (that doesn't get removed). My bag of toiletries is at the top of my carry on so that IF they ask for them to be removed, I can do it with no digging. (Though it seems that a lot of airports don't require the bag to be taken out anymore)

It cracks me up when people complain about security lines, but then they get to the scanners and take forever removing everything and juggling all their items. Doing just a few simple things before getting in line would make it easier to get through, and everyone would get through faster.

Yes to all of this!

[pvande55]

Travel light. I flew Spirit once and just took a small bag, as they charge for carry ons. I know, that flies in the face of those who take at least three bags for a day trip.