More from the Type A Traveler: Waiting at Security

Air Ambulance Card President Sam Jackson is back from a one week trek to China. Sam plans for his trips. Sam packs wisely. Sam is courteous. Sam wishes other travelers would be too.

I just returned from a whirl-wind tour to China. I noticed that people are not very thoughtful when they go through security. They are not taking the time to empty pockets, remove metal items and have their toilet articles in a 1 quart ZipLock bag. This is inconsiderate of fellow travelers, waiting in their stocking feet while you go back and forth through the metal detectors.

I watched a man at LAX hold up the line for a good minute because he simply would not pull all of the "stuff" out of his pockets. He had to pass through the metal detector 4 times! On the last try, they took him aside and used the wand to "pat him down," only to discover his metal money clip in his pocket. He protested he did not want to put his money in the plastic tray and run it through the x-ray machine. (Editor's Note: Consider taking the money OUT of the clip, fella? I'm just asking is all.)

Take a few seconds before you get to the end of the conveyor and pull out the contents of your pockets. Drop them into your purse or briefcase. If you have a ZipLock, drop all that pocket stuff into it. Not only will it keep your stuff from getting lost in the shuffle, it will save you from the irate passengers behind you!