Tips for Packing Your Bags
Increased security at airports makes careful packing more important than ever before. With
careless packing you run the risk of having items confiscated for security reasons, or at
worst, being delayed. There really is no way to avoid luggage searches sometimes. Whether
the security officers have seen something suspicious on the screening machines or whether
they are just doing random searches you will probably at some time have to undergo a search
yourself.
There are ways of making this easier for the officers and yourself - and less embarrassing.
Toiletries
Try buying small traveling versions of your usual shampoos and toothpastes and use heavy-duty
see-through plastic bags (zip-lock bags are ideal) to put them in along with any other bottles
of liquids you might want to take. This works two ways to help. It contains any potential spillages
and also makes it easy for officers to view any suspicious shapes that they may have seen.
It also makes them to remove to use in the aircraft for a quick freshen up. You might also
want to extend the plastic bag option to any small items you may be carrying so they are easily
accessible and kept together in one place.
Electricals
Try to avoid packing electrical equipment (including any battery operated items)
in your carry-on luggage as these often set off the screening machines and a search. If you
must pack them try
to put them on the top of luggage so you can remove them quickly and easily - you should also
make sure they are in working order as the officers might ask you to demonstrate them.
Medication
Any medication you need should be retained in it's original bottle with the prescription
labels still attached to help officers assess their contents. If you need to take large amounts
of
any medication get a doctors note to avoid raising suspicions.
Sharp Objects
Don't pack any sharp objects as these will probably be confiscated. Remember basic items as nail files, bottle openers, pen knives and scissors could be seen as potential weapons.
Don't Panic
Above all, don't panic if you are subjected to a search, security staff are usually very fast
and efficient, they know what they are looking for and will complete the search with as little
fuss as possible. However they won't necessarily repack your bags for you and making sure you
don't over pack can ensure the disruption to your luggage is kept to a minimum.
Remember you
aren't the first and you won't be the last to be searched!
Tess Dawson from the Rowan Yarn Shop |
