January 20th, 2017
If you ever had a hard time deciding whether you need a soft-sided or hard-sided cooler this artic...
Do security checkpoints make you anxious or nervous? If so, you’re not alone. Even those with nothing to hide can get concerned when they know their activity is being monitored or scrutinized in any way, it’s perfectly normal. However, passing through security checkpoints does not have to be a challenge, as long as you are aware of the rules and expectations that authorities have put in place for everyone’s safety and protection. Here is a basic guide outlining some of the of items you may or may not pack into a clear bag for security checkpoints...
Let's start with airline travel:
The allowance of liquids is limited to travel-sized containers with no more than 3.4 ounces or less per item such as aerosols, shampoos, conditioners, etc. These may be placed in a quart-sized bag for easy screening by security personnel, while any liquids greater than 3.4 oz. must be stored in your checked baggage. Some item types are allowed in your carry-on bag, though there are many that are not and must be packed in your checked baggage including sharp objects such as box cutters, knives, scissors, etc. Even some sporting goods are allowed for carry-on such as baseballs, snowboards, track spikes and so on, while numerous ones must be placed in checked baggage only, such as baseball bats, hockey sticks, ski poles and many others. Not adhering to these guidelines will only slow down the screening process, resulting in unwanted attention and potential delays.
Be vigilant and do your research before you travel with liquids by studying TSA Security Checkpoint Guidelines at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule.
Find a complete list of TSA travel tips with sporting equipment at http://blog.tsa.gov/2014/06/tsa-travel-tips-traveling-with-sporting.html.
Let's take a look at public schools:
With the constant threat that faces America today, many schools require students to carry a clear backpack or clear messenger bag when transporting belongings, homework, and textbooks to and from school. This allows school security personnel to easily and clearly see the contents of each bag entering and leaving school property. Many elementary schools do not require this, but for middle to high school students, it’s standard policy.
Always check with the school district before sending your children to class on their first day to discover if they require clear bags. Also, always request a written itemized list of all things that are prohibited from being brought to school, so can continually refer to it as you periodically audit your student’s school bag. This is not only for the safety of the teachers and staff but also for the safety of all of our children.
Kids are known for being tough on school supplies and backpacks and other school bags must be durable enough to last the entire school year without needing to be repaired or replaced. At Get a Bag we not only designed our very own line of “Peekaboo” clear vinyl bags, we’ve demanded some stringent specifications to ensure that our clear bags will outlast other brands. We incorporate heavy-duty vinyl material and wear-tested metal hardware so you won't have to replace your child's school bag every few months.
Other public venues and events:
Whenever there is a large gathering of people in any public setting, there are legitimate security concerns. Whether it’s a music concert, sporting event, seminar, exhibition, fair, film showing, etc. more and more venues are requiring attendees to have their personal items inside a clear bag, some may even have specific size requirements. Calling ahead to the event coordinators to find out what their specific requirements are is one way to save yourself a lot of trouble at the time of the event.
One product that is ideal for any such event is a clear fanny pack, they're convenient and spacious for cell phones, tickets and cash or credit cards that can be concealed in the back pocket, also they’ll almost certainly never going to exceed the size limit for any venue or event. So if you're planning to attend an event, do your research well in advance and if a clear bag is required you'll be prepared to enter through security and enjoy your hassle-free event!
