Minimizing Delays at Airports '" Dressing for Success

Since September 2001, we have all had to become used to far more stringent checks before boarding our flight. This is made all the more difficult as the rules can change on short notice and also different criteria may be applied depending on what country you are flying from or to. The best approach to traveling is to minimize the delay as far as possible and to avoid having to leave items behind due to changing security concerns.

As with so much about airport security at the moment, one source of frustration is the apparent variability in the application of the rules. In theory all passengers flying from the US or UK must remove their shoes before going through the security screening (this is not an absolute rule elsewhere in the European Union and practice varies around the world). In practice there are days, airports, even individual queues where you can keep your shoes on and others where you need to take them off. The US "Transportation Security Administration" claims that they need to x-ray shoes separate to their owner in order to properly check if they have been tampered with.

Despite the variability it is probably as well to assume you will have to take your shoes off before being allowed to board. On this basis, trying to wear a pair of easy fitting shoes that are simple to take off is prudent '" conveniently such footwear is also comfortable whilst on the flight.

Another common source of delay is wearing clothing that contains metal. Sometimes this can be avoided by taking off your outer jacket and putting it through the x-ray machine (often you will be required to do this). Equally ensure you take off any heavy jewelery, remove coins and do not forget items such as Personal Data Assistants. This can include earrings and body piercings. In the latter case, it is probably an idea (if feasible) to remove them before flying or telling the staff before you go through the scanner. You will still need to be searched but it is as well to anticipate this. Other items that can cause problems, and that you may not wish to take off before scanning, include under-wired bras. In all these cases it is worth thinking about what you are wearing before setting off to the airport.

Finally, bulky clothing will cause problems. If you can wear loose light clothing rather than heavy jumpers or baggy trousers.

Overall, you will not be able to avoid delays in checking in for a flight these days. However, there are some things you can do to make the process a bit easier and this includes thinking about how you dress.