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How To Breeze Through Security Like A Travel Professional  

With just days before the traditional onslaught of the hectic and sometimes chaotic end-of-year holiday travel season, Kirkwood's Travel Leaders announced its top five tips for speeding up the airport security screening process. Travel Leaders is also advising local travelers the window for purchasing airline tickets for holiday travel is rapidly closing, although availability depends on the destination.

"The overall capacity on airlines ranging from the frequency of flights to the number of available airline seats has decreased, because of airline mergers over the past few years. As a result, flights will be more packed this holiday season," explained Rob Schainker, Co-Owner of the Travel Leaders locations at 10502 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122 and 7236 Village Center Dr, O'Fallon, MO 63368. "We're strongly advising our clients who are even contemplating air travel over the holidays to confirm their plans immediately, particularly if they are traveling to popular destinations where flight capacity will be much more limited."

Schainker also noted that with millions of Americans traveling over the holidays, including countless individuals who rarely ever fly, he cautions St. Louis travelers to exercise patience, especially at airport security. With that in mind, Schainker added, "We are proud to offer our top five tips to enable even the most novice travelers to breeze through security as quickly as a travel professional would."

#1 - Wear Comfortable Shoes that Can Be Removed Easily: "Since all shoes, coats and jackets - and sometimes even belts - must be removed before moving through metal detectors, we advise our clients to make it easier on themselves and the others around them by dressing strategically for the airport," Schainker said. "We strongly recommend wearing loafers or slip-on shoes instead of lace-up shoes, which can be especially difficult to remove at airport security."

#2 - Remember 3-1-1: "If there's one thing that we must do a better job of explaining to the infrequent traveler, it's that all carry-on luggage is subject to the 3-1-1 rule," Schainker noted. "The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules strictly limit passengers' liquids and gels that are allowed onboard aircraft to three-ounce containers stored in just one clear one-quart zip-top bag. We advise our customers to have those bags easily reachable at the top of their luggage as they approach security. That way, they won't be fumbling through their suitcases searching for it while others wait."

#3 - Minimize Items Placed in Security Bins: "Time and time again, we have witnessed individuals who place far too many items into security bins and inadvertently hold up other travelers," observed Schainker. "While you'll need to empty pockets of all loose change and keys, as well as mobile devices, not to mention removing metal jewelry that may set off detectors, it's far more prudent to think strategically before you arrive at airport screening by tucking all of those items into your carry-on. That way, you'll speed up the process plus know where all of your belongings are."

#4 - Invest in TSA-Approved Laptop Bags: "Since we're advocating that you minimize how many security bins you're using, you can reduce the total by one more by purchasing a TSA-approved laptop computer bag," advised Schainker. "Not only are these laptop bags practical for screening purposes, but they also help to protect the computer itself. If you don't have an approved laptop bag, you will be required to remove your computer and place it in a security bin, along with other large electronic items."

#5 - Be Cooperative: "Above all else, remember TSA employees are there for our protection," Schainker stated. "Since their singular purpose is to keep air travel safe, it is important to be cooperative and courteous throughout the entire screening process. Provide them the same level of respect that you would like to be accorded. That and patience throughout the process will improve your overall experience and get you on your way."