Painless airport security?

“Security at the airport is a nightmare!”
“Those security guards just like to pick on people.”
“The lines are endless!”

Long lines, close scrutiny of your personal belongings, strangers telling you what to do, and taking away your favorite can of hairspray, apparently just because they can. Is it really necessary, and what can you do to keep the level of pain and inconvenience at a minimum?

Snälla Bolaget has talked to a former airport security supervisor, with one of the world’s largest security companies, Securitas. (For security reasons, his name is not given – however, SnallaBolaget.com can relay contact if necessary.)
He tells us the insider’s tips on how to avoid security sufferings.

“There’s really nothing to it,” he says. “It boils down to paying attention, and knowing when to stop thinking and just do as you’re told.”

He explains further that most people get in trouble when trying to take initiative, or when they assume what will happen next, and act on that assumption. Here’s a quick guide on how to get through security without the hassle all the other people in the line gets.

Pay attention. When you’re approaching the checkpoint, look out for signs or screens that have information about what you’re approaching on them. There may be new regulations – are you sure you’re up to speed? Remember, don’t assume. Either you are or you aren’t.

Get ready. You know, if you’ve ever watched TV or been at an airport, that there’s going to be metal detectors. Empty your pockets of everything you have in them, put money bills, i.e. paper money, back and put everything else in the box they give you. Ideally, put everything you have in your pockets in the carry on luggage for the time being. Take your belt and your watch off, and prepare to remove your shoes. That is what slows – and aggravates – passengers the most. Be prepared to answer the first officer’s questions simply and clearly – that will let him or her know that you want to cooperate and make it a smooth check. Be prepared to describe all the contents of your bag(s).

Have respect. The guard may or may not have deserved it, but right there and then, he can cause you quite a bit of hassle if he or she deems you to be unsafe for travel. Just suck it up, bitching will not get you through security any quicker. Also, the officer is doing his/her job, nothing more and nothing less. Understand that they have rules to follow, and if you try to – or seemingly try to – hinder that, they will see you as a potential threat.

Be efficient. Unless you are the only one in the airport, the officers will have other things to think about than keeping track of your bag, your shoes or what time your flight is leaving or what direction your gate is in. Find someone else to ask, consult a board or screen, and gather your things quickly. Make sure you take everything with you – in many places, a left bag or item will cause a bomb alarm, and more trouble than you could imagine on the verge of your vacation.

Last, but not least – remember that the security detail is there for your safety. They are the ones making sure that the plane you are boarding does not have hijackers or terrorists, violent drunks or drug abusers on it. As long as you stay polite and respectful towards the officers, they will show you exactly the same attitude back, and will make your check as quick and painless as they possibly can.

And by all means, if you do encounter rude, offensive or othervise inappropriate behaviour in a security checkpoint, don’t be afraid to ask for a shift supervisor. They are there for you too. But never, ever ask for an officer’s name, you do not need it. They have assigned numbers with full traceability, and they are required to give you that on demand.

Have a pleasant journey!