How not to be that person in the airport security check line

Sarah Eaton
Journalism 132
Magazine Writing

How to not be that person in the security check
Pulling a balancing act with your purse and carry on, your license and plane ticket separate, is an all too familiar scene for anyone who flies. As you approach the security check line, the slithering line seems to be getting progressively longer. You look ahead to see what the holdup is and single out the person in the front of the line. Whether it’s a water bottle that has more than 3 ounces, scissors that are more than 4 inches, or a laptop bag that has a pocket or zipper on it, this small regulation violation postpones everyone from getting to their specific gate.
September 11th 2001 made a big impact on the airport security. A fee now goes on every airplane ticket to ensure that the quality of security has increased and the rules have changed dramatically. In a time when people could have their ski’s poles or golf clubs as their carry on, this has now been limited to only check in. Women need to recheck their purse to make sure they don’t have lotions or any makeup exceeding the limit of 3 ounces. Water bottles and other drinks need to be bought in the airport or drank before going through security. Following these simple rules can keep the line moving and save you time overall in your venture through the airport, giving you less hassle from the front of the airport to the gate.
It’s important to make sure you know the newest and most regulations that are available easily online or just a phone call away. September 11th brought on more strict rules but they have eased a little since then but how would you know this unless you were to look them up? No one wants to be singled out as the person who made the line go from 2 minutes to 15 all over a simple thing that you just didn’t know. The frequent flyers are aware of this because of the constant pattern of going from one airport security check to another. One rule that has been modified is the laptop rule. Once, this rule was that the laptops going through the machine had to be outside of the case, in a separate bin. However, now, in order to make the line go faster and a smoother transition, people with laptops are allowed to keep it in its case. Although this is a minuscule rule and hardly noticed by a sporadic flyer, it can save you the embarrassment
To avoid the glares of the line behind you, the hassle of having to return and check in your bag, and the time wasted, or if you are unsure about a particular item, make sure you check online to see the updates on the security line at www.tsa.gov. Also, prepare your outfit the night before including sandals instead of tennis shoes, and if possible, an outfit for limited pockets. By having fewer pockets, they’ll be fewer things you’ll store in them that could potentially hold you up. Checking in at least an hour before can make all the difference because you never know when there is a random busy weekend and you happened to be traveling on it. Don’t allow a few lines to have you miss your flight. Take responsibility for making your flight by being prompt and prepared. These simple habits of flying will ensure that you are not that person in the security checkpoint.

Query for Travel Magazine

September 23, 2009
Budget Travel
530 Seventh Ave., 2nd floor
New York, NY
10018

Dear Erik Torkell,
Due to the tragedy of September 11th, 2001 airport security has rapidly changed their rules and guidelines to be more strict. Those who travel often understand these rules while others seem to be the one holding up the line for everyone else. There are specific regulations I feel are important in letting your readers know about, some steps that can help get them to their destination faster without the hassle of being delayed in airport security.
Flying alone since I was six years old, back and forth from San Francisco to Los Angeles has made me a frequent flyer at a young age. I feel I am always prepared for my flights starting with the night before. This information is important for your readers to hear because those who want to get away need to know how to get away faster. I am currently at Sacramento State University taking a course on Journalism in order to better my writing and set forth in the right direction. I feel the informative piece that I’ve sent to you will fit well in your magazine. Ideas on how to prepare better for traveling will include:
• Non-flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint can go on board as long as they are 3 ounces or less
• Tools are allowed as long as they are 7 inches or less in length
• Laptops are now allowed to go through the machine covered for the safety of the electronic and to make the security line go faster
These simple guidelines make all the difference. I feel that travelers will be happier going through security if they are more knowledgeable about the rules and are aware of what to check in before arriving to the airport.
Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectively,
Sarah Eaton

Possible second how to article

This article could be published in :restaurant, any job seeking magazine, or teenage readers magazine such as “looking for a job?”
How to know if you could be a waitress?
Being a waitress teaches you a lot of things you either pick up or didn’t know about yourself
People skills
There are different kinds of people and you will see all sorts
Are you near a mall?
They are likely hungry and tired now that they’ve been shopping all day
Is it a family with small kids?
They are likely to be here for the convenience, make it fast! Is it a business lunch/meeting?
They want to be left alone for the most part but still notice if something is needed such as a refill or if they’re looking around
In this situation, it may be ok to drop off the check early for their convenience
Multitasking
Condiments
Just because you offered ranch with their fries and they said no doesn’t mean
They won’t change their mind once they get their burger
Refills
Think of the glass as half empty, get a refill!
If someone is slurping down their drink, get two at a time
Putting in orders
Absolutely put in an order first over anything else
Write down everything about the order, people have allergies
Yourself
Forgetting an order
It happens to everyone, rookie or lifer. It’s how you handle the situation
People not tipping at all or small amount
Don’t take it personal and absolutely don’t discuss it with the customer
It could have been worse; be glad they paid the bill!
Being yelled at by a customer
You’re not going to be everyone’s fav person; there are too many personalities to
Impress
There upset, be professional and handle the situation as if you were the
Customer, involve a manager if needed
Too many tables, not enough of you
Try to greet all tables at once, get all drinks at once
This will give you a step up when you start taking orders

how to article outline

How to get through the airport faster:

This how to article could be published in the magazine found on airplanes, any business magazine
Check in
Make sure your ride is dependable and shows up at the time you need them to be
Arrive an hour early (at least)
Make sure you have your license out already to show the representative
Make sure you have a decision on if you are checking

in your bags as well as how many bags
Make sure you have your laptop out of your suitcase so you can have it as a carryon
Make sure any liquids that may be too many ounces are in your bag to be checked in Security
Wear flip flops
Wear something without pockets if applicable
Make sure you keep your license out with your flight info until you’ve passed security
While waiting in line, think of anything in your carryon that could possibly sound the alarm
Make sure everything is in its own bin-rather be safe than sorry
Boarding
Make sure you look at your gate number on the television to make sure it’s still right
Make sure you know the direction of your gate and follow the signs toward it
Wait as near as you can to the gate in order to avoid being at the end of the line
While on board
It’s always good to note the people and remember what they look like for baggage claim
The night before
Make sure everything is packed including toothbrush and deodorant the night before
Make sure you get enough sleep
Call and confirm the person taking you to the airport is aware of the date
Make sure the person taking you is aware of the time they need to be at your house
Have your outfit out so it’s faster in the morning
Eat before you go to the airport to avoid eating unhealthy or expensive food
Know the rules of security so there aren’t any last minute delays
Ounces allowed on board
No hazardous or items that could be considered weapons
Etc