What are your air travel micro-hacks?

[neils2004]

For the men - plastic belt buckle.

Like.
Belts for Men, Nylon Tactical Belt with YKK Plastic Buckle - https://amzn.asia/d/ifBQkma

Converted to small/thin plastic belt buckles a few years ago but still get told to remove before going through the detector.
Why? I asked politely on several occasions but have let to receive a logical response.

 

[AuSammy]

Converted to small/thin plastic belt buckles a few years ago but still get told to remove before going through the detector.
Why? I asked politely on several occasions but have let to receive a logical response.

Interesting, everyone’s experience will be different depending on airport, scanner, staff on duty etc.

In my experience, the older xray machines don't pick up the belt and staff don’t query unless visible. Presumably why they were invented- no metal.

With the newer body scan machines, they do pick them up and you maybe asked to remove.

However when I wear the integrated one with the shorts (buckle is smaller than on the tactical belt) I usually just lift my tshirt and get waived through. On one occasion only a security officer said do you mind if I touch it. (ADL). And then was waived through.

 

[Jo145]

Yes I do that now. Still have to pull the laptop out at some airports but I chuck the phone, wallet (it sets of metal detectors for some reason) and whatever else is in my pockets into my laptop bag. Even better when you don't have to remove the laptop. I wish it would allow me to barge in front of those people who fart around for minutes with four trays to put all their cough in. But in the words of Mr Burns "I'm too nice!"

As a woman ... there are never pockets big enough for anything so it's not an issue for me.

 

[Daver6]

Converted to small/thin plastic belt buckles a few years ago but still get told to remove before going through the detector.
Why? I asked politely on several occasions but have let to receive a logical response.

The modern scanners aren't metal detectors. They're looking for concealed items, eg a weapon. The problem with the belt buckle is it shows up as a concealed item due to the bulk and often behind a t-shirt/jumper. They'll want to check the buckle and potential for what's just behind it. Hence much quicker if it's removed first and placed in a trag.

 

[LoaderTosh]

I always wrap my shoes/sandals in a plastic bag

Me too … although I find it restricts leg movements rather severely.

 

[justinbrett]

Actually a new habit of mine is removing my powerbank whether they ask me or not - otherwise it almost always gets flagged.

 

[PakurangaDan]

I have found that not trying to bring a machete onboard, and then not trying to use the plastic butter-knives to hack off the feet of the people putting them on the bulkheads, has resulted in a lot of not-confrontational air travel.

Leave that for the airline-branded machetes that the flight crew carry.

lol this brings back memories.
I flew back from Spain in 1986 CARRYING a 4' long matador sword as carry-on as it wouldn't fit in my back pack. Those were the days....

 

[AIRwin]

Me too … although I find it restricts leg movements rather severely.

At least your carpet doesn't wear out as fast