Expert: Matthew Smith - 3/11/2007

Question
Explain how the embarkarion and disembarkating procedure of passengers at airport expedite the speedy clearance of passengers when proper/correct documentation is produced.

Answer
Your question is not clear, but I will try to answer.

Basically, it's a matter of keeping the flow of human traffic moving.

If one has the proper documentation, then the line moves quickly.  When one does not show the proper documents, the line stops, and the people behind you have to wait until you can produce the documents.

At my airport, the Canadians tend to have the best technique.  Most of them have their boarding pass inside their passports at the photo/information page.  That way, when we check their boarding pass against their ID, it is already ready.  What stops the progress of the line is when someone comes to the station, and does not have their documents ready.  Worse yet, some people decide to argue when asked for their documents.

To make it simple: have your passport and boarding pass ready and in your hand to show the TSA agent.  He or she will compare the two to make sure that the date on the boarding pass is correct, that the names match, and that your ID is current.

Passports are the best.  A U.S. drivers license is second best.  The TSA no longer accepts foreign drivers licenses.  Non-U.S. citizens MUST use a passport from their home nation.

Once your boarding pass has been checked, keep it out.  You will need to show the boarding pass to the TSA agent as you walk through the walk-through metal detector (WTMD).  The agent at the WTMD is looking for a code on the boarding pass that determines if you must be screened further by security personnel.

Some people who recognize the code try to evade further screening by putting their boarding pass in their bags, hoping that they can get away from the checkpoint.  This is a bad idea for two reasons.  First, that person stops the line until they can produce their boarding pass.  This is a major inconvenience to both passengers and the TSA workers.  The persons who hide their boarding passes are responsible for stopping the smooth flow of people.  Second, if the TSA agent does not see the code and allows you to pass without the further screening, the airline personnel will not allow you to board the plane.  You will be sent back to security for screening, and you may miss your flight.

Cooperation is the key to the process of clearing passengers.

I hope that answers what you were hoping to learn.