The holiday season is a busy time for a number of different activities. Traditionally starting the morning after Thanksgiving and running right on through until the waning hours of December 24th, this is busiest shopping season time of the year. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this period is always the busiest travel time of they year, particularly for air travel. In the weeks ahead, millions of our fellow Americans take to the skies in an effort to spend some time with close friends and family. The wake of the events of 9/11, law enforcement has stepped up it’s presence at major transportation hubs such as our airports in an effort to keep you safe. While the screening processes now in place my seem obtrusive at times, here are a few tips that can help you and your family make it to your final destination as quickly and as easily as possible:
The ‘Holiday Rush’ Isn’t Just for Malls
Busy airports usually mean long lines at security checkpoints. When traveling at peak times, budget more time than usual. If you are traveling with young children, infants, elderly or disabled passengers, you should consider allowing even more time.
Keep Your Picture ID and Plane Ticket Handy at All Times
You may be asked to show a government-issued photo ID as well as your boarding pass at any time, either by security screeners or airline staff. Make sure you keep both in a safe place that you can reach easily.
Know What You Are Carrying
Many individuals choose to simply carry on all their luggage provided it complies with Transportation Safety Administration standards on size and weight. This can often lead to frantic scenes at x-ray scanners as people scramble to pass through the magnetometer and collect their bags speedily in order to make it to their gate on time. Know how many items you have with you and take a moment before you leave the screening area to ensure you have all of your property.
Leave the Jokes at home
Do not make jokes about having a explosives or other weapons in your possession. Security is serious business and screeners will not take such statements lightly. Penalties for such statements, even those made in jest can be severe.
Do Not Be Surprised If Your Bags Are Searched
Bags are frequently hand-searched, especially if security personnel are unable to identify a particular item using the x-ray scanner. Procedures such as these, while time consuming, are aimed at keeping you safe. Take them in stride and budget enough time for your bags to pass even secondary inspections such as these.
No trip is ever hassle free, but by following these tips from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, you can bring a little bit of holiday cheer to this year’s holiday trip.
Sheriff Leo P. McGuire resides in Oakland, NJ with his wife Trish and two daughters.