Travel Sentry presents the road warrior’s guide to becoming a Red Diamond traveler.

Why become a Red Diamond traveler?

It is faster and easier. The TSA is introducing the new three lane concept (see below) in airports across the country. These will help separate the experienced from the inexperienced travelers and let those of us in the know to get through the checkpoints faster.

Follow this guide, take the test at the end and see if you qualify as a Red Diamond traveler.

Three Lane Concept

The TSA is starting to offer three different lanes at passenger checkpoints throughout the country. These are intended to separate expert travelers from casual travelers and then other travelers who need more time to get through the checkpoint.

Here are the new TSA passenger designations:

Black Diamond:

Frequent traveler who knows how to get through checkpoint quickly & efficiently

Very familiar with TSA procedures and always prepared

Understands 3-1-1 liquids policy

Blue Square:

Somewhat familiar with TSA procedures

Travels a few times a year

Not "expert" level and does not want to be rushed at the checkpoint

Green Circle:

Families with small children or passengers with special needs

May require special assistance or extra time at the checkpoint

May or may not be familiar with TSA procedures

Red Diamond Rules

Getting through the security checkpoint is actually a two step process.

1. preparing to go INTO the checkpoint
2. getting THROUGH the checkpoint, out of the way and onto your flight

Here are Travel Sentry’s three Red Diamond Rules for getting INTO the checkpoint faster:

1. Before you even get to the checkpoint get all metal out of the clothing you will wear through the metal detector. The easiest way to do this is to put keys, coins, mobile phone, pens, etc. into the pockets of your jacket if you are wearing one. If not, then make sure everything is already loaded into your carry-on bag.
2. Liquids - remember that all liquids (including gels and some food items) must be presented for inspection separately and must follow certain rules. See 3-1-1 below. IF you are carrying liquids, put your liquids bag in a bin for inspection.
3. Take your shoes off and put them in a bin and place your jacket on top. No jackets, bulky sweaters or tops may be worn through the metal detector so take them off and remember to keep your boarding pass with you to show as you pass through the metal detector if required.
4. Use a Travel Sentry® Approved Laptop Bag and follow the instructions:

• make sure that you have not put anything into the laptop portion of the bag except the laptop – no cords, power supplies, etc.
• make sure that your laptop bag is unfolded or pulled out so that nothing is on top of or beneath the bag as it goes on the conveyor belt

Now here are Travel Sentry’s three Red Diamond Rules for getting THROUGH the checkpoint faster:

1. You have already chosen to wear slip-on shoes because you know that laces will slow you down and you put the bin with your shoes and jacket into the x-ray machine first. This way you can put on your shoes and jacket while you wait for your laptop because …
2. You put your Travel Sentry® Approved Laptop Bag onto the x-ray machine conveyor belt and all you have to do is fold up your bag or put the laptop sleeve into your carry-on.
3. The last step is to grab your liquids bag if you have one and stuff it into an easy to reach compartment on your laptop bag. Better yet, avoid liquids altogether.

3-1-1 or the Liquids Rules

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Advanced tips

• DO: Wear slip-on shoes. Laces and zippers will slow you down.
• DO: Empty your pockets and put loose items in your purse, jacket pockets, or carry-on bag while before you get to the checkpoint.
• DO: Place magazines, snacks or souvenirs purchased in the airport in a carry-on bag or purse before you get to the checkpoint. Consolidating your items before they go in the bins will help you collect your items quickly and clear the checkpoint exit area.
• DO: Have your liquids baggie out of your carry-on, and make sure you don't have any loose liquid items in your purse or carry-on bag.
• DO: Notify a security officer if you have any exempt liquids so an officer can provide additional screening if necessary and choose the Green Circle lane.
• DON'T: Try to put shoes or boots with zippers or laces on right when you take them out of the bins. Move to the side to let other passengers take their items and go.

Should I always use the Black Diamond lane?

No. Just because you know the rules of the road does not mean it is always appropriate to select the Black Diamond lane.

If you have more than one carry-on, or if your carry-on has unusual contents that may require extra screening, then choose the Blue Square or Green Circle lane.

If you are traveling with small children who (lucky for them) are not road warriors then it is better to select the Green Circle lane. The same goes when you are traveling with others who are not as familiar as you with the rules of the road. And if someone needs extra assistance or has a condition that may require special screening (such as a pacemaker) then the Green Circle lane is for you.

Extra Credit

Did you know?
Belts, wallets and cell phones are the most common items that alarm on a passenger when passing through the metal detector.

Did you know?
42% of the checkpoint bottlenecks are caused by delays in collecting your items after screening.

Did You Know?
The average traveler takes up four feet of space at the checkpoint taking roughly 32 seconds to divest their belongings and 42 seconds to compose at the end of the checkpoint. These numbers may seem insignificant for one traveler, but when you consider that about 2 million passengers go through checkpoints everyday it adds up.

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