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Getting Through Airport Security:

Passenger checkpoints are now the second step in airport security.  You must pass through this checkpoint to reach your departure gate.  Security screeners will screen you and your carry-on luggage.  You should find this step familiar, although enhanced security measures are now in place almost everywhere.  Passenger checkpoints include 3 steps:

Step 1 the X-Ray machine

After you have had your checked luggage inspected by screeners, you’ll return them to the ticket agent to be placed on board the plane.  Then you’ll go on to the next step.  At the passenger security checkpoint, you will place all carry-ons and any other items you are carrying into a tray and then place the tray on the belt.  You will need to lay all items flat.  Your purse and shoes can go in one tray, your jacket and sweater in another, your laptop (out of its case) in another, and your keys, money, belt, jewelry in another if necessary.  Underwire bras have been known to set off some of the machines so a sports bra is always good.  Slip on shoes are another good idea especially if you’re not a yoga master and can’t stand well on one foot, chairs are sometimes scarce.

Consider putting everything of a personal nature like dental hygiene products in clear plastic bags in your checked or carryon luggage.  Picture the screener in their plastic gloves handling guy #1’s underwear and then your toothbrush!  Pack boots, shoes, and other bulky stuff on top.  Don’t over pack or they’ll never be able to get your stuff all back in.  They also sell special locks now that only security screeners are able to open.  Make sure your luggage weight meets your airlines requirements.  Overweight bags incur a hefty fee, as do 2nd suitcases.  Almost everything except cameras, laptops, cell phones, etc. should be in your checked luggage. 

Step 2 The Walkthrough Metal Detector

You will then be asked to walk through a metal detector.  You may be asked to have a screener pass a wand around your person if the equipment senses metal on your person to see if they can detect what is setting off the detector.  If you refuse, they can deny you boarding.

Step 3 Secondary Screening

If a screener selects you for some reason for this secondary screening, it may include a pat down as well as the wand.  At this time, you should let the screener know if there is a religious or cultural consideration, disability, or other medical concern.  If you have a pacemaker, metal plate in your head, or any other medical device, it’s a good idea to carry documentation.  Most of the time the screener will be of the same gender.  You may ask that the search be made in private.  If you have body piercings that you can’t remove, now would be a good time to mention this.  If they request to search your carry-ons, by all means give them the go ahead.  Don’t try to remove anything or help them in any way, just step back and hope they’re quick.  We found out the hard way that almost all currency in Jamaica has minute particles of marijuana on it that will alert a drug dog.  Keep your wallet in a plastic bag away from your other items in the safe or just keep money in a little coin purse instead and tuck in in a neck purse, fanny pack or safety pin it to the inside of your pants or bra.