what can I expect from airport security when I travel out of the country next week?

Question

I haven't gone through airport security since they implemented the new security regulations. I will be leaving from LAX next week, what can I expect?

Answer 1

Strip search.

Answer 2

I flew out of LAX last week, and baggage security took an unbelievable 1 hour and 45 minutes. (This is only baggage check, not the gate security check). Each bag you are checking in needs to go through the big machine, and the agents look at each piece carefully. Then an agent takes your bag and escort you to the check-in counter. You are not allowed to even touch the handle of your own bag. If you do, the bag goes right back in line for security check. So there are agents waiting in the check-in area with passengers to put people's bags on the scale. After that, the agent is free to go back to the big machine to escort another passenger. You can imagine how long this process takes. Of course there was a long line for security check at the gate as well. My flight ended up delayed because people couldn't get processed fast enough. But I gotta say it's not always like this at LAX. Flew out of LAX many times, and often it is not this bad.

Answer 3

I travelled out of the US from Newark on 15 Dec., and I can tell you the following:
- Long, long line-up at the security check. Plan to spend approx. 30-60 minutes waiting to be checked if at a large airport and/or if during rush hours.
- Remove shoes, belts, coats, coins, and anything metallic.
- Even so, the metal gate usually still beeps. Then you will be searched again with a metal detector.
- After the belongings roll through the security check belt, for most international travellers these will be set aside for further examination.
- This involves going through some (or all) of your bags, in detail. They are looking for bottles/liquids and may confiscate them if they do not comply with safety restrictions. They also put some test paper and wipe different parts of your bag, and put it on a machine to analyse whether or not traces of suspicious materials are present.
- If you have hard-surface binders, or anything else curious looking, they may also flip through them to make sure nothing dangerous is contained inside.
- They may start chatting apologetically with you because the search is taking quite a while and they think you are bored.
- Afterwards they may offer to repack everything for you. But usually you are in such a bad mood that you decline the offer, and spend the next five minutes putting back everything.
- You will be allowed to put your shoes back on.
- You may have accidentally left important documents behind, like your passport or wallet.
- I didn't have to take off my clothes except the outermost layer (jacket) and shoes during the process.
- Enjoy the security process.

Answer 4

I'm assuming you will be leaving from Tom Bradley International Terminal. The other terminals are basically the same.

Major Note: All liquid items over 3oz must go into your checked baggage!!!

Step 1: Find an airline representative and find out if you need to check in first or get you checked baggage screened first.

Step 2: Follow the rep's instructions. When you get your baggage screened, find one of the CTX machines in the back, they are usually not as busy as the ones in front, but if you see one without a line and a green light on top, go for it.

Step 3: Once you are checked in and you baggage is screened, get in line for passenger screening, or get something to eat if you feel like it. Have your boarding pass and passport ready to show the ticket checker.

Step 4: When going through the checkpoint, make sure you have any liquid items that are less than 3 oz inside a quart sized ziploc bag, any camera film is out, all metal is out of your pockets, and you shoes are off. Place all of your property on the belt and proceed through the metal detector.

Step 5: Once you are through, relax and Enjoy your flight.

Answer 5

This site will tell you everything you need to know about airport security: http://www.tsa.gov/
Here is a site to help you pack for your trip: http://wehow.ehow.com/how_2003583_pack-holiday-travel.html

Good luck with the trip!

Answer 6

well the normal prob. more xrays more rules. but i traveled out the country twice. its easy to go threw but i havent been out for a yr. so i dont know about it right now tho

Answer 7

call the airport and they will tell you just what to do and they will search everything places you never dreamed of good luck