Every time I’m in line at TSA security checkpoint at an airport I am surprised how many clueless people happen to be standing in front of me. No matter how well I scout lines (no babies, solo Asian businessmen are good to follow), there always seem to be people who get into full-blown conversations with security, have to come back through, and basically stop the entire line. Instead of being “that girl,” be a polite lady and keep it moving through the TSA checkpoint. Read the full story
Okay, sexy may be overstating it, but if you’ve flown recently you may have noticed – or been through – one of the new TSA x-ray screening machines at the airport security checkpoint. Or perhaps you’ve been following the controversy in the news about whether or not the new technology is a breach of privacy, too sensational, or yes, sexy. Whatever the case, here’s what you need to know about the x-ray machines rolling into airports.
New technology: X-ray machines for airport security
Official name: Millimeter wave; Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) units
What it is: Non-invasive whole body imaging technology
Where it is: As of the end of 2010, a total of 450 AIT units were deployed, with more U.S. airports receiving them after
What it does: X-ray scans passengers going through security checkpoint, identifying metal detection and any weapons on the person; acts as an alternative to full body pat-down
What you do: Step into the machine, turn to the side with hands placed above head. As per normal airport security screening, you should remove belt, shoes, jacket, large jewelry or anything that would normally set off the metal detector and empty pockets before crossing through this point in the checkpoint. TSA officers will let you know when you can step out and when you are cleared.
How it works: An x-ray image is taken of you inside the machine and monitored by a TSA agent in a separate and private room. The TSA agent identifies any weapons on your body as well as anything on you that may trigger a detector and needs to be checked (i.e. a whole mess of bobby pins in your hair). A TSA agent at the machine signals you when the scan is complete and you can step out, and again when you are security-cleared. The agent in the private room monitoring the x-rays communicates by 2-way radio with the agents at the security checkpoint where you are.
Example of x-ray scan only seen by TSA officer in remote location
What you need to know:
- The actual scan takes about 2.5 seconds.
- An additional 15-45 seconds are taken while you wait on footprint mats and the TSA agent who sees x-rays checks your x-ray image and radios the verdict to security agent with you at checkpoint.
- If there is something suspicious on you, the x-ray viewer agent will tell the agent with you where to look – so instead of a full body pat-down because you set off a metal detector, the gate security agent will be told to look in your hair if your bobby pins are showing up on the x-ray. They will just check the flagged spots as seen on the x-ray.
- Yes, the x-ray exposes you for further viewing (see above image to get a feel for exactly how racy it is).
- No, nobody gets to see this x-ray besides the TSA officer in the private screening room. This officer is not allowed to bring in anything to the remote location (including recording devices), so no photos will be snapped of your x-ray and no other eyes are ever on it. TSA will not keep, store or transmit images.
For more information, check out TSA’s articles and related links on the technology.
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You’re about to take a short trip that’s just a flight away, but with airline security measures, you can’t pack your bathroom to come with. No worries, you will survive. Pack with these tips to meet the TSA liquids 311 rule and have all you need while you’re away.
- First, know the rules. From the TSA website:
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.
In other words, you get 1 clear bag, no bigger than 1 quart (it’s larger than a sandwich bag, but smaller than freezer size), and in it you can bring liquid containers, but none larger than 3.4 ounces each (drugstores and travel spots have travel liquid containers made to this size).
NOTE: You can declare necessary, larger liquids; medications, baby formula, baby food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the security checkpoint.
- Next, take out what will be provided at your destination. If you’re staying with a girlfriend or sister, you may need almost nothing! Hotels generally have shampoo, conditioner and soap (depending how picky you are), and family will have toothpaste. You may want your own lotion and deodorant, but can switch up shampoos for a couple days, so prioritize.
- Then, swap regular products for non-liquid alternatives. If you’re down to use bar soap instead of liquid body wash, that’s one less liquid you need to track. I’m super into wet cleansing facial cloths instead of face wash since they’re so easy and take out yet another liquid. If you’re all about your hand sanitizer, buy Wet Ones instead. Cruise your drug or grocery store’s toiletry and travel aisles to see what other options you may have.
- After completing the above, travel-size what you need to bring. Things like contact solution, your particular liquid foundation, must-use hair product, etc. need to be made to fit. Each choice you pack needs to either be 1) already at or smaller than 3.4 ounces, 2) transferred to a travel-size container (you can buy spray, pump, squeeze or other options depending on the product) or 3) bought in travel size. Just because you can bring three ounces of each product doesn’t mean you need to; why bring a full size acne spot treatment for two days or a face mask that you don’t really use but once a month?
Take a few minutes, plan ahead, edit down, and you’ll be looking fly after flight.
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With travel, there tends to be a lot of hurry up and wait. In getting ready for your next trip, keep these wait times in mind so you give yourself enough time and know what to expect.
Catching a multi-city bus or train: You’ll be waiting for the bus or train to come (or people to hurry up and get on it so you can), but better to wait there than miss it! Depending on the route and carrier, some buses or trains only briefly pause for your pickup. If your mode of transport is coming from destination A, stopping where you get on, and continuing to destination B or beyond, it’s super important you’re at the platform and ready when the arrival/pick up time is as there is a smaller window when you’re at an in-between spot. Give yourself time to get to the station and be ready to move/board 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If there is hold time at your station, you’ll want to be early so you can board and get a good spot as most trains and buses are open seating. Be ready to stand in line to hold your place getting on board, and plan on hands free entertainment so you can keep those free for quickly lifting your luggage up with you.
Rental car return: Waiting to return may be easy, but the entire process time for rental cars still needs to be accounted for. Many stations and airports have associated or attached rental car vendors so you can easily catch your flight or bus or whatnot after returning the car. However, even if the rental car place is “on-site,” this may mean check in for your car is on site while the actual cars and return are elsewhere, or “on-site” means somewhere on the large property that requires a monorail to get to. With automated kiosks, quick checkout scans, and other measures in place to speed up billing and receiving after you drive the rental back, the return time has gotten quicker, but you can’t discount the time getting back to catch your next mode of transport. Research if there is a tram going between rental car returns and your terminal or station. Beware that trams usually are on a loop, so you’ll probably be making stops. Give yourself at least 15 minutes for your return process, more if you are traveling in a heavy business/driving city during peak hours. Also work in travel time from rental returns, usually around 15-30 minutes. Note: if you are told the trip from rentals to the terminals is 15 minutes, this doesn’t mean you only need 15 minutes to get back! Unless you have someone waiting to take you to the terminal, you also need to account for how often the tram comes, which sometimes is only every half hour. Come prepared with music to listen to as you wait.
Airline check in and bag check: Even if you’re clever and check in online, you may need to wait in line for your airline. Most airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before and up to 2 hours prior to your flight time, but you also need to print your boarding pass and get your baggage good to go. If you don’t have access to a printer for your boarding pass, feel free to check in to get a better boarding number, but know you will need to print your pass at the airport, and that may take some time. Many airlines have kiosks where you can print (and reprint lost) boarding passes, but believe me, technology can fail and you do not want to spend time kicking a computer that won’t print when you’re late. Give yourself 15 minutes if you are tech-savvy and have no bags to check. If you’re checking luggage, you have to drop your bags and get them tagged by an airline agent. Sometimes this is a separate and shorter line, sometimes this is combined with general check in, which means families, slow people, people with 7 bags, people who don’t speak the language or understand touchscreen, etc. I have waited up to 45 minutes in these lines, so know this even if you are prepped printing at home, and bring patience.
Airport security: Unless you fly in and out of Wilmington, NC, TSA security checks can take some time. During busy times and in bigger hubs, wait times can be about an hour for ID check plus bag/person check. You can try to target the quickest line or wear clothing that’s easier to get through security, but inevitably, a family with a stroller, person who can’t get their laptop out quick enough, or newbie who doesn’t realize you can’t bring liquids through security and has a long conversation with TSA plus send back will end up in front of you. Since security is serious and people are tense going through, stay off the phone, watch your jokes, and either chat with your travel buddy or play a movie back in your head.
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People have asked me how I pack so lightly and manage not to look like a hot mess when out on the road. Really, it happens. I: 1) travel so much I get plenty of practice and 2) am naturally into figuring out how things fit best, so I do tend to be skilled at making what I pack work and doing it in a reasonable amount of space. If you could use some tips/need to cut down from the extra stuff you don’t use and makes your luggage overweight, check out how I’ve packed my latest trip in one bag:
Start with some staples.
This packing was done for three weeks away, for caring for and playing with babies, working out, meeting up with people, and doing some business meetings. Since my trip is NY –> CA, I had to account for cooler temperatures and of course, what to be comfy in while traveling.
On the left, you see I opted for a cotton blazer cut to throw on if I want to business an outfit up, and on the right is my go-to travel cardigan and scarf (that doubles as a wrap) for cool nights, being by the beach, and travel comfort.
Choose tops and bottoms that mix and match.
Above left is what I’ve dubbed my “uniform”- a black cotton v-neck pocket tee. I wear it with skirts, pants, blazers, leggings, just about anything. Styled differently it can go out or hang out casually. If you ever see me on the road, you will probably see me in it at some point, maybe even twice in one trip. Seriously, find yourself an item that is as versatile as this and that can be your go-to in case you hate things you’ve packed and want to change outfits. I have a variety of other tops (one per day I’m away, plus layering pieces, plus 2 extra days of tops) and finally a pair of jean shorts and a pair of black harem pants from ModCloth that I adore. (I wore my jeans on the plane, so those were calculated in my pre-planned outfits, too). Again, denim and my beloved pants can be dressed up or down and I made about four outfit options around each bottom.
Include a LBD.
My versions of the little black dress are more on the casual end of the spectrum, but not inappropriate for anything I have planned. (On the left is a maxi dress from Castles Couture, on the right is a sleeveless, knee-length BB Dakota number.) The point of the little black dress is to be a solid piece you can wear to functions and feel great it, so be sure to include your equivalent, even if you don’t anticipate anything fancier than sweatpants (you never know who you may meet and what you want to do!).
Account for your workout.
Maybe it means yoga, maybe it’s running for you, or perhaps it’s a simple swimsuit. Below are the yoga pants and tops I packed with running shoes, which worked for walks, yoga, and pajamas.
Choose your shoes.
I actually started with knowing I wanted my Senso “Indigo” lace ups to run around town in and Irregular Choice “Gabes Girl” wedges for other affairs. I knew I’d also want sandals for the beach and to fit into SoCal fashion, plus Bensimon shoes to get in and out of easily at security checkpoints in airports.
Accessorize!
Accessories tend to be the smallest things to pack and are able to change an outfit’s look. I also make sure to bring a small purse in addition to my everyday large bag, and I always bring belts. Also packed (that you don’t see here) are changeable earrings, rings, and my favorite necklaces.
Here’s how my suitcase looked after packing all of the above into it (note, I roll my clothes to save space and for less wrinkles):
Then I added toiletries, make up, curling iron, stuffed underwear and socks into shoes (again, use every bit of space), and voilà!
I even had room to spare. 
Happy packing!
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