We
are just Five Days away from our big trip, and the first adventure we
will all face together is getting through airport security. However,
with some advanced planning and smart decisions, we can all make it
through quickly and easily. Here are some tips:
Photo ID
– Sometimes the airport checks IDs on our kids, and other times they
don’t, but I don’t take any chances. Therefore, I have asked that ALL students give me their photo ID by Thursday at lunch.
I already have many of our ID cards, but anyone who still needs to get it to me can do so by Thursday. I keep all the IDs together in one binder sorted alphabetically to make
it easy for check-in. The ticketing agents love this and are usually
extra-nice to us as a result. If you will need your ID to use a debit or
credit card, just let me know and I will give it to your during the
trip. Just keep it safe and prepare to give it back to me before the
flight home. All adults travelers will definitely need government-issued photo ID.
Reduce your metal
– Try to wear as little metal as possible to the airport. Earrings,
necklaces, bracelets, and even clothing with metal accessories attached
to them always have the potential to set off the system (metal-rimmed
eyeglasses are OK). Boys, if you’re into those big skater belt buckles, leave them at home. Finally, any other objects (watch,
camera, cell phone, iPod, coins) that could activate the metal detector
should be placed in your backpack. Take some time BEFORE we get to the
airport to do this, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. The
only things that should be in your hand or in your pockets as you walk
through security should be your boarding pass. You MUST have this with
you when you walk through security.
Measure up – I’ve
already told you that your checked suitcase should be no heavier than
45 pounds. The airlines set 50 pounds as the absolute maximum, but
you’re probably going to bring back more than you went out with, so
leave yourself some room...I will be weighing bags at Rio Norte before we get on the bus.
Smart shoes
– The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will require you to
take off your shoes and place them in a bin to be scanned. Make sure to
wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on (no double or triple
knots in your laces), but keep in mind these are probably the same shoes
you will wear throughout much of our first day on tour.
Sweatshirts, jackets, and hoodies
– If your outer layer is one that can be easily shed (zip-up hoodie or
jacket), be prepared. TSA may ask you to remove it, place it in a bin,
and run it through the scanner. If it’s a pull-over sweater or
sweatshirt, they generally will let you leave it on. I actually
recommend that whatever warm coat you’re bringing on the trip you
actually wear to the airport and DON’T pack it. It’s one less bulky item
to pack in your suitcase and it could double as a pillow or a blanket
on the plane.
Quart-size bags
– If you’re toting tons of electronics with you (iPod, iPod charger,
cell phone, cell phone charger, headphones) all in your backpack, it may
look like you’re carrying some sort of explosive triggering device.
Make your life and the life of your TSA screener easier by grouping
these items into quart-size storage bags. I’m partial to the quart-size
freezer bags because they’re a little sturdier. If the TSA screener has
to open your bag, it will be easy for him to see you have nothing
suspicious. Plus, it will be easier for you to find your stuff later
without cords getting all tangled up. You can also use quart bags for your medications with your foldable medication authorization form.
Avoid liquids in carry-on – In the TSA 3-1-1 guide (available HERE), it talks about the rule for bringing liquids in your carry-on. I’m not
bringing ANY liquids in my carry-on luggage (my backpack). All my hair
gel, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. goes into my toiletry bag in my checked luggage.
Why do you need hair gel or deodorant on the airplane? These guidelines
are mostly geared to overnight travelers who pack everything into their
carry-on, and that’s not us.
There
are tons of other prohibited items that I'm not going into, but most of
these are common sense. Here's a good rule: if it's not allowed at
school, it's probably not allowed on a plane. Please ask Mr. Sheridan if
you are unclear about what is prohibited and what is not.
“The Table”
– When it comes to personal travel, it is important to be an efficient packer. If you forget something, we won't have the luxury to buy items next week, which is why I suggest laying out all your things on a table. On “The Table” place your packing list
and then item by item lay everything out that you need. Deodorant:
check. Toothpaste: check. iPod charger: check. Camera battery charger:
check.
If
you haven’t set up your own version of “The Table” yet, I urge you to
consider it. Lay everything out in advance now so you know what you have
and what you may still need to get. Places like Walgreen’s are not
always easily accessible with the places we’re visiting and the schedule
we’re on. Hotel gift shops often sell toothpaste and batteries and
memory cards, but it is likely at a significantly higher price.
Students—The next time I’ll see you is THURSDAY AT LUNCH
Parents—I’ll see you at Rio Norte on SUNDAY AT 6:45 PM!
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