- Packing
Avoid over-packing to prevent personal articles from spilling out of your bag if it is opened for inspection. Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on baggage as screeners may have to examine its contents. Consider stowing personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
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- Gifts
If you are bringing a gift to friends or relatives, wrap it after you arrive at your destination. Otherwise, you might have to unwrap it to get through security -- even if it is in checked luggage.
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- Prohibited Items
Don't bring prohibited items, such as pocket knives, scissors or other sharp objects, with you or pack them in your carry-on luggage.
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- Bottles of Liquid
Avoid carrying bottles of liquid through the screening checkpoint. Plan to purchase any food items you may wish to carry onboard the aircraft after you have completed the screening process.
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- Stay Calm
As you head toward the security area, take a deep breath and remain calm. Check and be sure you have your boarding pass and a government-issued photo identification card ready for security personnel. Take your time unpacking and repacking your belongings -- too many people rush through this process only to find they have left their laptop, keys, or wallet behind.
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- Metal Items
Place metal items in your carry-on bag. This includes, loose change, keys, watches, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs).
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- Coat
Take off your coat (outer coat and sports coat) as you approach the security screening area -- you will need to place them in a plastic tray for safe passage through the X-ray equipment. Suit jackets and blazers do not have to be removed, unless requested by the screener.
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- Shoes
Be prepared to remove your shoes; you'd be surprised how many shoes contain small pieces of metal. If you wear a belt with a large metal buckle, suspenders with metal clasps, or metal jewelry, be aware that they could trigger the alarm and prompt a check by hand.
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