This article explains what you can expect as you pass through airport security and offers some tips on making it easier.

• Preparation before you leave home
• Making the airport experience move along smoothly
• What to expect if you are flagged for special consideration
• How to handle getting certain items through the checkpoint: food, photographic equipment, crematory containers.

Before You Leave the House

There are some simple things you can do as you get ready to leave that will save time and keep the hassles to a minimum.

Dress

One of the easiest solutions to getting through the airport with as little problems as possible is to think ahead when choosing your clothes. The clothes you decide to wear will affect your experience. When you choose your traveling outfit, keep in mind that the following are likely to set off the alarms:

• Lots of jewelry including body piercings, especially hidden under clothes
• Underwire bras
• Hair clips
• Belt buckles
• Snaps
• Studs

If you want to wear any of these on your trip consider packing them temporarily in your carry-on bag or put them in the plastic bin to go through the x-ray machine. Consider removing body jewelry if possible. Setting off the alarms earns you a manual search that includes a large wand and the hands of a stranger.

Shoes

Many shoes have metal inserts that set off alarms causing concern for both traveler and security personnel. Although airlines do not admit to having a written policy on shoes, it seems that at airports passangers are being told to remove them more and more frequently. You probably will be asked to remove your shoes and place them in a bin to pass through the x-ray machine. Sneakers or flip-flops may be allowed to be worn as you walk through. Boots, dress shoes – shoes with thick soles or heels – are going to be screened whether or not they set off the metal detector.