Airport Security Misconceptions

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Getting through the airport security can wear you down at times.  I can't help you much with the woman ahead of you that didn't know, and was subsequently upset, that she had to remove her 12 clinking and clanking metal bracelets from her wrist before going through the metal detector, (and yes, that just happened right in front of me last night), but I can clear up some misconceptions that are pretty common that might slow you down.

• Liquids you are carrying on the plane with you are limited to 3oz.  What a lot of people don't realize is that the "container" needs to be 3oz or less, not the amount of liquid that is remaining.  If you have a 6 oz bottle of shampoo that is half full, you still can't bring it in your carry on.  The reason for this is because they can't tell just by looking at it how many ounces are left.
• Most small jewelry and accessories won't set the metal detector off.
• You can take lighters through the security check point. They only stopped that for a short while right after 9/11.
• We all know a bottle of water can't go through even if it isn't open, but did you know that if it's completely frozen, it is okay.  The trick is to get to the airport and through security before it unfreezes.
• The plastic bag holding your liquids only needs to be your liquids. Deodorant, razors, tweezers, and all those bathroom items can go in a separate bag and stay in your carry on.
• If someone is holding up the line because they waited until they were right in front of the screener to start removing their shoes, and wallet and sweater... go in front of them.  Pass them up and keep the line going.  This isn't a ride at Disneyland and TSA will never call you out for going in front of someone unless you are just being rude about it.
• If you feel like you are always picked for extra screening, you might want to check your attitude.  I'm not being mean, I'm just saying... Behavior Detection Officers are there to require second screenings for those passengers that look nervous, are overly anxious or appear excessivley agitated or angry.

I hope this helps you get through quicker and with less stress.