The Advantages of Airport Security

Getting through an airport can be a daunting task.  Simply making your way in and out of the terminal can be difficult if you don't know the airport and getting through security can be intimidating and even frightening to a traveller, especially an inexperienced one.  I would suggest that even before you get to the airport you go to the airport's website.  Most, if not all, airports provide printable maps of the terminals.  You can find out the rules regarding what size and number of bags are allowed as well as a list of what items are allowed in your carry-on bags and what to expect at security points.  Each airport is slightly different and knowing what to expect will definitely reduce your stress level. 

Another important point is to get there early.  Don't wait until the last minute to arrive, this almost always causes unnecessary stress.  Once at the airport don't hesitate to ask questions and to look around at what others are doing, especially at security points.  If people are taking off their shoes and putting them in plastic bins, be prepared to do the same.  Be polite, they are simply doing their job and a smile can go a long way, especially when language barriers are involved.   Some airports have multiple security points.  Don't be surprised if you have to be screened more than once.  Remember, they are trying to keep you safe. 

One frustration I have often had is the fact that there are several items not allowed on your person or on the plane in your bags.  I once had a set of fingernail clippers taken from my purse only to find that in the tuck-shop in the boarding area they sold fingernail files.  I was also pleasantly surprised but a little shocked to be given a knife and fork on an Air France flight.  And remember that snacks and bottled water are sold in the boarding area, so don't panic if you can't bring your favourite beverage through security.

If you have checked luggage, make your way to the luggage carousel quickly.  Choose a position close to where the bags first come on to the carousel.  If your bags are a common colour like black or brown, find something unique and easy to see and tie it on or around your bag(s).  This makes it much easier to identify your bag quickly.  If you are travelling with a partner have one person stay in the front row to grab the bags and pass them to the other.  Don't lose your spot!  You may find that in some foreign countries people have a different comfort level with how much space to put between each other.  In Canada, we have a pleasant '4 foot rule' but you will find that some cultures don't.  You may be bumped, pushed, or squeezed out of the front row.  Also, be aware that for very full planes, staff sometimes pull bags off the carousel and place them in rows to the side of the carousel.  Look around and be aware of what is going on.

WARNING!

Once you have your bags be prepared for more security.  Once again, be polite, do what they ask and above all, don't put anything in your bags that you are not prepared to surrender.  This may sound harsh but once while travelling to the middle east, a co-traveller had a set of walkie-talkies in his checked luggage.  Because of the language barrier and the lack of knowledge of the devices, they were almost taken away.  The security/police looked through the bags and thought that they were some type of telephone listening tool.  We had to find someone who spoke better english to explain what they were.  Remember that you may not have the same rights in a foreign country as in Canada.

ODD BITS

If your bags are damaged or lost it's important to know what the airline will offer.  You may not mind waiting in a line to speak to an airline representative to get a credit for a new piece of luggage or a flight.  Depending on the airline, if your bags are lost you are eligible for a cash disbursement for the loss.  Even if the bag shows up at a later date.  Most will offer a specific dollar amount to replace your items. 

Here is a partial example from Air Canada

• For travel between points in Canada, liability for loss or delay of, or damage to baggage is limited to $1,500 CAD per passenger unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges are paid.
• If your international travel (including domestic portions on international travel) is subject to the Warsaw Convention, Air Canada ’s liability is limited to approximately $20 USD (20 EUR) per kg per passenger for checked baggage, and $400 USD (400 EUR) per passenger for unchecked baggage.
• If your international travel (including domestic portions on international travel) is subject to the Montreal Convention, Air Canada’s liability is limited to approximately $1663 USD (1357 EUR) per passenger.
• Subject to the provisions of the Montreal Convention and the Warsaw Convention where applicable, Air Canada assumes no liability for perishables or liquids, nor does it accept liability for valuables or items whose loss may cause serious damage, such as money, jewellery, silverware, negotiable papers, securities, computers, cameras, cellular phones, business documents, samples, paintings, antiques, artifacts, manuscripts, prescription drugs, or irreplaceable books or publications. Unless otherwise specified, a valuable will be deemed any item whose value is $1,000 CAD or more per kilogram, or $1 CAD per gram.

NEXT TIME

How to avoid tourist traps and how to see the real country that you have worked so hard to travel to safely.