What to Do in the Airport: Tips on Airport Security and Using the Waiting Time

If you are not naturally organized, going through airport seucrity can be difficult. Even if you are good with organization, do you know what can and cannot be taken through the security checkpoint before you get to your airline gate? First of all, if you were drinking water in your ride to the airport, you can't take the bottle through airport security so you can throw the bottle out before getting to the checkpoint. Also you need to have your license and boarding pass out.

If you have liquids or gels such as small bottles of moisturizer, sanitizing gel (good idea for flying) or perfume, they need to be 3 ounces or less and put in a zip lock bag. The bag should be quart sized. You don't want to start to comb through your pocketbook and backpack pulling out liquid foundation, hair gel and cologne at the checkpoint , but instead plan it in advance. On top of this you'll need to pull out your cell phone, keys and metal objects to put them in the little white circular dishes that go through the belt. At the same time, you'll be taking off your coat or jacket, shoes and sticking them in a basket. Don't forget that you need to pull out your laptop as well to go through security and have that in the grey basket.

This is why it helps to have your toiletries sorted out plus your keys and mobile gadgets in one place to expedite the airport security check in process. I find wearing easy on/off shoes or sneakers helpful. No one said that airline flying was easy. Don't forget you'll need to take your belt off too so this may be why we see people wearing jogging pants lately on line. If you used airport parking facilities, don't forget to write down where you parked as this may be hard to remember when you return.

If you are taking prescription medications in your carry-on, each needs to be in it's original container. Don't just mix all the pills into one container even if you are travelling for a few days. Diabetics can take their prescription insulin on the plane. You can bring baby formulas and liquid baby food with you on board. Inhalers for those with asthma are also permitted for carry on luggage with proper screening. The airlines realize there can be delays or that people can be stuck in an airport for hours and it' s important to bring medical supplies you may need later on in day with you due to this possibility.

Phew, you've gotten through security so now can go to the gate to wait. Check the monitor in the airport to be sure your flight isn't delayed. If you have a laptop, you can often find wireless service at the airport. Some airports are free wireless such as fort lauderdale airport . It's good to charge things ahead of time since the outlets are tough to find and some are not working I've found. Bringing i-pods, dvd players and other electronic gadgets can be helpful to keep kids entertained. Packing a lunch ahead of time will save you money , but if not, there are plenty of places to eat. It's important to remember if you are carrying food to the gate to take plastic ware and napkins. Sometimes this gets overlooked and it can be frustrating to walk back again carrying laptops and kids. If you forgot your book, there are lots of magazines and books to purchase in most airports. Thinking out ahead of time what you want to read will help so you can use the time productively. If you decide to take a nap at the gate, set your cell phone alarm so you wake up on time. By planning, the day at the airport can be fruitful even if there are airline flying delays