Tag: tsa

Jet Away June | Airport Security 101

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for another Jet Away June post! If you’re traveling via airplane this summer, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to go through airport security. For those who don’t travel very often, airport security can be a frightening unknown. There are what seems like endless rules to follow, and everyone dreads the long lines. I’m hoping that my post today will help ease your stress. I’ve come up with three simple steps to ensure you airport security success!

1. Know the Rules and Process

As I mentioned in my What’s in My “Liquids” Bag? post, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) is the governmental agency in charge of airport security. Of course, the most important step for anyone to take before flying is to become familiar with the TSA website HERE. That’s where you can find the official rules. If you have any questions that this post leaves unanswered, definitely contact the TSA directly, as this post is just regarding my own personal tips and experiences. The TSA agents at the airport will also help you if you have any last minute questions. Just remember to be polite!

The process at security is simple. First, you show your ID and boarding pass to an agent. Then, you place your items into bins and onto the conveyer belt. This requires you to remove your shoes, take out your liquids bag, and remove your laptop from your carry-on (tablets and cell phones can remain in you bags). Next, an agent will direct you through the body scanner. Then you can retrieve your belongings. That’s it!

2. Plan Ahead

To make your visit at airport security as easy and painless as possible, have a plan. Here is what my plan is when I fly:

  • Have ID and Boarding Pass in Hand – As soon as I get to the airport, I take out my ID and Boarding Pass. The first checkpoint through security will look at both of these documents, so if you have them ready the process will move quickly.
  • Create an Order – Once your ID is checked, you usually only need to wait a few minutes before you start putting your belongings in the bins and on the conveyer belt. I plan the order in which I do things so I don’t scramble at the last minute: backpack/carry-on goes first, then a bin with my laptop and liquids bag, and finally a bin with my purse, shoes, and jacket.

Once your items are on the conveyer belt, a TSA agent will ask you to step through the body scanner. Then, all you need to do is retrieve your belongings and you’re done! Because you planned ahead, you’ll be able to grab your things and make room for the next person.

3. Be Patient 

My last tip is simple – remain calm and be patient! Remember that the TSA agents are there to keep you safe, and will encounter thousands of passengers in a single day. If you have a question, ask politely and they will help you. If something goes wrong, which it shouldn’t, patience is key.

Always anticipate that the lines at airport security may be long. If you give yourself extra time, you’ll have no reason to panic. There are several factors that can affect how early you should arrive at the airport, such as time of day, time of year, and geographic location. I like to be at the airport about 1 hour and 30 minutes before my flight leaves. I would rather spend some extra time at the gate than miss my flight!

That’s it for my three simple tips to airport security! I hope you found them helpful. If you have any extra tips, please share them in the comments!

 

Jet Away June | What’s in My “Liquids” Bag? (3-1-1 Rule)

Happy Monday, and welcome to the first official day of Jet Away June here at Adventures in Polishland! If you missed my Jet Away June announcement, you can read it HERE. I decided to start off this themed month with a fun take on the “What’s in My Travel Makeup Bag?” series that many beauty gurus do. I’ll be sure to show you my makeup bag at some point during Jet Away June, but first we’re starting with the liquids bag that we’ll all have when getting on an airplane.

Jet Away June | What's in My "Liquids" Bag? (3-1-1 Rule)The Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) has what is known as the 3-1-1 rule. You can read the official rule on the TSA’s website HERE, but the basics of the rule is that all liquids in your carry-on luggage must be 3oz or less, put into 1 quart size plastic bag, and there is only 1 bag per person. You can put larger size liquids into your checked luggage, but if you’re like me and like to travel without checking a suitcase, you’ll need to follow the 3-1-1 rule carefully. Let me show you what I included in my liquids bag during my recent trip to Los Angeles!

HAIR CARE

Travel Size Hair Care

PRODUCTS:

  • Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo [BUY]
  • Beauty Protector Protect & Condition [BUY]
  • Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle [BUY]

I’ve gotten the entire Beauty Protector line in my Birchboxes over the past several months, so I decided to take it along with me! I like to take the very basics with me when I travel, so all I needed was a shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant.

Helpful TipPack products that are multi-use to cut down on the number of products you need to pack. For example, the Protect & Detangle product I used is a heat protectant, detangler, and frizz-fighter all in one. 

SKINCARE

Travel Skincare   PRODUCTS:

  • Paula’s Choice Resist Serum [BUY]
  • Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen [BUY]
  • Menza Daily Face Wash [BUY]
  • Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant [BUY]
  • Michael Todd Damascus Rose Moisturizer (not pictured – used a foil packet!) [BUY]

I used many of my travel size items from subscription boxes in my liquids bag! Many of these products are high end, so I was sure to pamper my skin when traveling. This is also a great opportunity to use up those darn foil packets!

Helpful Tip: Lotions are considered liquids! When in doubt, include the product in your liquids bag just to be safe. It will cut down on your time going through security. 

MAKEUP

Makeup Travel

PRODUCTS:

  • L’Oreal Lash Out Butterfly Mascara [BUY]
  • Maybelline The Elixir Lipgloss in Nude Illusion [BUY]

I keep my makeup routine very basic when I’m traveling. I’ll show you all of the makeup products I took with me on this trip when I share my travel makeup bag, but these are the only liquid products I took.

Helpful Tip: To cut down on the number of liquid makeup products, bring a stick foundation, cream concealer, and lip crayons. They’ll get the job done, and won’t fill up your liquids bag!

BODY CARE

Travel Body Care

PRODUCTS:

  • Herbal Essences Body Wash in Hello Hydration [BUY]
  • Bath & Bodyworks PocketBac Antibacterial Hand Gel in Rainforest Sugarcane [BUY]
  • Bee Kind Body Lotion [BUY]
  • Crest Toothpaste (not pictured) [BUY]

I always like to bring my own body wash and body lotion with me even if I’m staying in a hotel. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time even if you don’t end up using the products you brought with you!

Helpful Tip: If you’re traveling for a long period of time, consider bringing two body washes, i.e. That way you won’t have to repurchase anything during your trip. 

These are all of the items I took with me in my liquids bag! Of course, you can customize your bag to bring all of the liquids that fit into your own skincare and bath and body routines, but I hope this post helped you plan for your next vacation. Don’t forget to skim the official TSA 3-1-1 rule to make sure you’re ready for airport security. I also recommend bringing an extra quart sized bag (or two) just in case yours rips during the trip. Stay tuned for more Jet Away June posts, and let me know what you have in your liquids bag in the comments or by using the hashtag #JetAwayJune on social media!

Some of the products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. Some of the links above are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.