Suggestions to make the journey easier

By Chris Oliver
Advertiser Staff Writer

Even without increased federal security measures, delays, crowds, noise and watching your bags trundle into the black hole at check-in, travel is plenty stressful.

For less than $5, we fashioned an ID holder from inexpensive clear zippered pencil pouches clipped to a give-away neck cord. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Before going to the airport

• Don't overpack. Anything that might be questioned should be packed near the top. Use bags on wheels, or use a cart. Airports have miles of corridors and walkways, so invest that $3, saving your back and shoulder muscles, even if your bags are small.

• Buy an ID holder. Showing your ID several times before you settle into your seat is now part of travel. ID holders go around your neck; fancy ones hold passport, tickets, boarding card, etc.

• Take water. Tuck a bottle into your carry-on.

• In a soft drawstring bag, pack socks, foam earplugs, eye mask and inflatable neck pillow or back cushion. They take almost no room but will alleviate some discomfort from drafty planes and cramped economy seating.

• Avoid wearing anything that may contain metal and set off an alarm. Instead, place jewelry and other metal items, including the contents of your pockets, in your carry-on baggage until you clear security. Mobile phones, pagers, keys, lighters and loose change all set off alarms.

• Put film and cameras containing film in your carry-on baggage. Checked-baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film. Or buy film when you get there.

• Remember, 1-plus-1 for carry-on: That's one carry-on bag plus one personal item (laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases). That doesn't apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids and/or assistive devices for a person with a disability.

• Place tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an ID tag inside, as well.

• Pack your outer coat or jacket in your baggage when possible.

• Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on. The screeners may open your bag and examine its contents.

• Consider placing articles in clear plastic bags inside your baggage to minimize handling of your personal items.

• If you have a medical implant or other device that is likely to set off a metal detector or alarm, bring evidence verifying this condition. Although this is not a requirement, it may help to speed the process.

• Determine how early to arrive at the airport. Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines' interisland flights require you to check in 90 minutes before the flight; two hours before Mainland flights, and three hours before international flights. Check with individual airlines.

• Think through where you are going to park. Confirm in advance which parking lots are open. Security may close some lots.

At the airport

This classy red leather ID holder, with pouches for ticket and ID, cost $15 at El Portal. You can spend upwards of $25 for these. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

• All checked bags are scanned. Many also are spot-searched and others get a thorough inspection. Explosive tracing devices now examine every checked bag.

• If you do not have checked baggage and already have a boarding pass, ticket or ticket confirmation, go directly to your gate through the security checkpoint. Please note that certain airlines do not offer gate check-in.

• Take out your laptop and place it in a bin separate from its carrying case. Take off your outer coat, place it in a bin. (Suit jackets and blazers do not have to be removed, unless requested by the screener.)

• Avoid alcohol before and on the flight: Having a stiff drink might momentarily relax you, but you can end up dehydrated, cranky and with a headache. Drink fruit juice or water, instead.

What about gifts?

• Leave gifts unwrapped. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.

"I would suggest not wrapping gifts until you get to your destination," said Aaron Batt, deputy director of security for the newly formed Transportation Security Administration. "Everything is being screened, X-rayed and checked, so there's a very good likelihood that it may have to be unwrapped to be inspected. For some people it may be easier to ship them, rather than bringing them on the plane, especially if they are bulky items."

Source: U.S. Transportation Security Administration