Tripologist: How to speed through airport security checks

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This was published 10 years ago

Tripologist: How to speed through airport security checks

By Michael Gebicki
African elephant, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

African elephant, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.Credit: Getty Images

Everyone asks ...

How do I speed through airport security checks?

The shortest queue is not necessarily the fastest. Queues with people in business attire are likely to move faster than those with families and leisure travellers. Any liquids, aerosols or gels must be in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres and packed in a see-through plastic bag. Do this in advance. Laptops and tablet devices must be removed from your bag so make sure they're easily accessible.

Keys, money and anything else metallic, such as a belt or shoes with large or elaborate metal eyelets, will set off the walk-through detection device. Jackets, cardigans and coats must be removed and passed through the X-ray, so keep it simple. If you're wearing a scarf, stow it in your bag until you're past security. Anything gift-wrapped may be torn open for inspection.

Airport body scanners were introduced at Australian airports in December 2012 and these will detect anything in your pockets, even plastic items, so remove these as well.

Above all, stay cool. Protest, raise your voice, give in to sarcasm and the outcome will not be happy. Accept that for the time being, all your legal, moral and ethical rights are temporarily suspended in the name of the greater good. Be polite to the security staff and remember, it's the world we live in.

Take your own bite of the Apple

My husband and I will be visiting New York in August. We are staying in an apartment in Manhattan Midtown and will have four full days there. There are so many things to see and do that we find it quite overwhelming. Can you suggest an itinerary that includes the "must-see" as well as interesting cafes, etc?
- S. and L. Hutton, Castle Hill

New York City is a giant, and slightly overwhelming. I'm reluctant to suggest an itinerary for the very reason that it is so well endowed with just about everything the human heart could wish for in the urban context. Do you like art galleries, museums, Broadway shows, jazz or shopping? One person's must-see list is another's don't-bothers, but a great starting point is Frommer's New York website (frommers.com). It will help you narrow down your preferences.

Another great resource is Time Out New York (timeout.com/newyork). In particular, take a look at their food and drink awards for 2013 - lots of suggestions for those cool cafes.

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