Clear the clutter, speed up security lines

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a request this holiday season: Please organize that carry-on before coming to the airport. The administration has dubbed the effort SimpliFLY, and it has a noble purpose: to speed up security lines, since cluttered bags are more likely to be searched by hand.

Here are some of the TSA’s suggestions for packing an organized bag:

• Pack in layers to make it easier for security screeners to see what’s in your bag
• Fold clothing
• Coil cords
• Keep electronics grouped and organized

This is all in addition to the usual TSA rules, you know, the 3-1-1 rule for liquids (three-ounce bottles or less; one quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag; one bag per passenger), having your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection, taking off your shoes and coat and putting them in a bin, and so on.

For the full run down, visit TSA’s SimpliFLY information page. You can also find details about what kinds of foods and gifts you can carry on (hint: don’t try to take gravy, or cranberry sauce for that matter, through security). You can also listen to my new podcast interview with a TSA spokesperson for tips about getting through airport security with minimum hassle this holiday season.