Full Body Scanners Coming To N.Y. Airports

You have probably noticed the articles and news reports about full body scanners coming to New York airports. These are designed to keep all of us safer when flying. The machines can scan for explosives and weapons hidden underneath clothing. These scanners can also detect non-metal items concealed in clothing. While these scanners increase our safely, they will also increase the time spent going through security. Passengers can prefer not to be screened, and they will have to be patted down and pass through metal detectors. There are several things you can do to make the whole security process go smoothly and quickly. Wear clothing without a lot of metal trim. Take off a belt that has a large metal buckle. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. Take off your watch, remove keys and change from pockets, etc., before going through security. Leave your pocket knife at home, or pack it in your baggage! If you have metal plates in your body, bring along a doctor's note. Pack your carry on luggage neatly, and don't overstuff it. Use packing cubes to separate items. Put all liquids and gels in the 3-1-1 case. This is the clear plastic zippered pouch with items of three ounces or less inside. And, only one per person! Leave medication in the prescription bottle. Carry on luggage may be hand searched also, and you want to be able to pack it back up quickly and efficiently. The same tips apply to your personal bag. If everything is jumbled inside, the screeners cannot see clearly, and will probably opt to hand search the bag. When the bag is packed neatly, it's easier to pack it back up if it's hand searched. Remember to remove your laptop or use a checkpoint friendly case that can go through x-ray machines with your laptop still inside. The checkpoint friendly briefcases are really handy if you travel a great deal because you can leave the laptop safely and securely inside. Be patient, allow some extra time and travel should go right along smoothly!