Tag: airports

Smart Packing Tips for Stress-Free Travel

~ SA Otey

🚀 Pre-Airport Prep

Documents Ready

  • Valid ID: REAL ID compliant driver’s license or passport (REAL ID required for domestic flights as of May 2023)
  • Boarding pass: Mobile passes work fine, but have a backup screenshot
  • TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Worth every penny for frequent travelers

Dress Smart

  • Belt: Avoid large metal buckles
  • Clothing: No metal studs, excessive zippers, or underwire bras
  • Jewelry: Minimal – remove watches, large jewelry at security
  • No cargo pants/shorts unless you like a personal touch
  • Keep your shoes on as of last week

📱 Technology & Electronics

The 3-1-1 Rule (Liquids)

  • 3 oz containers max
  • 1 quart-sized clear bag
  • 1 bag per passenger
  • Place the bag in a separate bin

Electronics Strategy

  • Laptops/tablets OUT of bags (unless TSA PreCheck)
  • Phone/small electronics can stay in carry-on
  • Chargers and cables can remain packed
  • Remove large electronics (bigger than a cell phone) from bags

🎒 Packing Like a Pro

Carry-On Organization

  • Keep the liquid bag easily accessible on top
  • Pack electronics in easily removable sections
  • Avoid overpacking – you may need to remove items

Prohibited Items (Common Mistakes)

  • No: Knives, scissors >4 inches, tools, pepper spray
  • No: Large bottles of liquids, gels, aerosols
  • Surprising nos: Snow globes, large batteries, certain foods
  • Yes: Small scissors (<4 inches), nail clippers, solid food

⚡ Security Line Strategy

Choose Your Line

  • TSA PreCheck: Fastest option – keep shoes/belts on, laptops in bags
  • CLEAR: Biometric ID verification – skip to front of ID check
  • Regular security: Look for shortest line, families often slower

Bin Loading Order

  1. Shoes (if removing)
  2. Liquids bag
  3. Large electronics
  4. Jackets/outerwear
  5. Carry-on bag
  6. Personal items last

Body Scanner Tips

  • Empty all pockets completely (including tissues, receipts)
  • Remove items from shirt pockets
  • Follow agent instructions exactly
  • Stay calm if selected for additional screening

🏃‍♂️ Speed Moves

Before Your Turn

  • Watch others ahead to prep
  • Have ID and boarding pass ready
  • Loosen belt, prepare to remove shoes
  • Move liquids to the top of the bag

At the Conveyor

  • Use multiple bins if needed
  • Don’t stack heavy items
  • Keep moving – don’t overthink
  • Grab bins quickly after the scanner

After Security

  • Collect all items before dressing
  • Step aside to reorganize
  • Check that you have everything

📋 Special Situations

Traveling with Kids

  • Children 12 and under keep their shoes on
  • Baby formula/milk is exempt from 3-1-1 rule
  • Strollers must be screened
  • Allow extra time

Medical Items

  • Medications in original containers
  • Medical devices need separate screening
  • Notify agents of medical conditions
  • Bring prescription documentation

Food & Gifts

  • Solid foods are generally OK
  • Wrapped gifts may be opened
  • Alcohol must be <140 proof, sealed
  • Check the TSA website for specific items

💡 Pro Tips

Timing

  • Arrive 2+ hours early for domestic, 3+ for international
  • Tuesday-Thursday are typically less crowded
  • Early morning flights often have faster security
  • Check airport wait times on apps

Apps & Tools

  • TSA app: Check wait times, prohibited items
  • Airport apps: Real-time security updates
  • Flight apps: Gate changes, delays

Membership Programs

  • TSA PreCheck: $78 for 5 years
  • Global Entry: $100 for 5 years (includes PreCheck)
  • CLEAR: $189/year (often discounted)

❗ Red Flags to Avoid

  • Joking about security/bombs (seriously, don’t)
  • Arguing with agents
  • Forgetting large liquids in bags
  • Not having an ID ready
  • Rushing and appearing suspicious

🔄 If Something Goes Wrong

Additional Screening

  • Stay calm and comply
  • Ask questions politely if unsure
  • Know your rights, but be respectful
  • Allow extra time in the schedule

Missed Items

  • Check the TSA lost and found
  • File a claim online if it’s valuable
  • Take photos of your belongings for insurance

Putting faith in your pilot

~ SA Otey
air air travel airbus aircraft

I noticed an airline pilot sitting down to dinner at the airport. He was opening up a bag of McDonald’s food. My initial reaction was concern because it made me think that this person didn’t make good decisions.

However, a salad emerged from the brown sack. I was relieved for a moment because now I thought, maybe he’s not that bad of a decision-maker after all. But then again, who goes to McDonald’s for a salad when there are so many other healthy options?

Then it occurred to me that the pilot is budget savvy. Then I thought, why am I staring at this pilot while he eats his dinner?

How much would you pay for a soda?

~ SA Otey
IMG_2635.jpg
ATL airport in 2011, worse than Disney’s prices

Or how much would you pay for water? Airports have you right where they want you. You can beat the game by packing your water bottle and a few protein bars when hunger and thirst arrive before your already delayed flight.

That is, of course, unless you enjoy spending $100 on Doritos and a Coke Zero. I suggest you bring your empty Camelbak through TSA and then fill it with a sink, fountain, or filtered water. Even when I’m on a client’s per diem, I will not submit to this price gouging.  Remember, it’s not long until you get on board your plane and get an ice-filled cup with a quarter can of soda.

The Etiquette of Airport Moving Walkways

~ SA Otey


When you’re at an airport and you see one of those moving walkways do you stand to right or walk to the left? Maybe you stand to the left or and put your bags to the right? If it doesn’t surprise you, I’m a walker. Not in the zombie sense, but as someone who likes to use technology as it’s intended. The best part is it makes you feel like Captain America charging into battle against a group of Outriders, uh, other travelers. However, I do occasionally notice a person who actually walks faster than me as I’m walking on the human conveyor belt.

Of course, there are those people who can’t seem to read these floor markings. They treat it like an amusement ride or as a chance to get a break from traveling faster than an Hoveround. I love the awkward step when you leave the treadmill. The robot voice will even warn you that the floor will stop moving. Sometimes I like to stand there at the end just to see if people will walk around me or pile up like lemmings.

Guide to flying first class

~ SA Otey
alcohol bar black background close up
Photo by Prem Pal Singh on Pexels.com

I’ve actually only flown first class once in my life. I was booking a client trip and saw that one of the legs was cheaper if I booked first class. I saved the client $200 on airfare by doing so. However, when my expense report was turned in to the client it was rejected because I didn’t book an economy flight. Common sense < Business sense.

However here are a few tips if you do get to fly first class.

  • Stand in the ultra-premium sky priority lane upon arrival at the gate, this lets others know you are first class
  • As you pass the attendant get that Jack and Coke drink order started.
  • Here you have a few options
    1. Pretend to be in such a relaxed mode that you can barely keep your eyes open.
    2. Crack open the laptop and bang away at those keys as to show how important and busy you are.
    3. Chug that first Jack and Coke and order another
    4. Be the guy that stares at everyone who walks by. Don’t forget to smirk
  • Don’t forget to cross your legs so that you can show the economy passengers how much seat and legroom you have
  • Sit in the economy section by mistake. When someone comes along and says you have their seat, show them your ticket and say “Oh yeah, I’m in first class” Don’t forget your 3rd glass of Jack and Coke that you brought with you.