It’s a familiar scene: Two lovers cling to each other in a tearful embrace, exchange one last hand-squeeze before one of them picks up a bag and walks… two feet to the airport security line. They then proceed to stand idly for the next 20 minutes while their partner awkwardly looks on and frets about getting home before rush hour.
It’s time to rewrite the script. Skip the drawn-out goodbyes and breeze through security with these four time-saving strategies:
1. Become a Trusted Traveler
Programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Nexus, and Sentri allow so-called “low-risk” travelers to move through participating airports more efficiently. As part of the pre-screening process, you’ll cough up personal information (and a fee) in advance of flying. Fees range from $55-$122.25 for a five-year membership; if you book flights often, the time savings may be well worth it. Learn more here.
2. Get the App
The TSA has created a helpful (and free!) app that features security wait times, a guide to TSA rules, airport status updates, and instant answers to the question: “Can I bring _____?” It’s available on iPhone and Android. Download it here.
3. Pack and Prep Correctly
Practice the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids. Gels, creams, liquids, etc. must be in 3.4-ounce or less containers; stored in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic bag; and limited to 1 bag per passenger. Keep the bag near the top of your carry-on so you can easily place it in a screening bin.
- Leave prohibited items and foods at home (or in your checked luggage) to avoid being detained by security.
- Pack large electronics (e.g. laptops and video game consoles) near the top of your bag; you’ll need to remove these for separate X-ray screening (unless you have a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag).
- Dress right. Wear easy-to-remove shoes (when it comes to airport security, velcro is so in). Avoid wearing a belt, heavy coat, or lots of jewelry, since you’ll need to remove these items for screening.
- When approaching security, have proper identification and your boarding pass in-hand.
4. Pick the Right Line
Before entering security, take a moment to observe which line is moving fastest, then join in. It’s smart to avoid queuing up behind large families, as it’ll take them a while to move the whole clan through security. Instead, get in line behind people who aren’t carrying much luggage and/or have already removed their shoes and coats; this signals they’re ready to cruise on through.
This post was published by Fiona Moriarty on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on June 5, 2015 and has been republished with permission.
The TSA precheck option is awesome. I did it last time I flew and it saved a ton of time.
I haven’t flown since before 9/11 so I can’t imagine what it’s like now. I’d like to think we might be traveling by plane again soon so it’s really good to know these tips!
The TSA fast line works great if you travel to high traffic airports. We travel often and some airports never seem to have a wait. It depends on take off time too. We avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday pm flights
I do most everything right except it seems as if I’m not picking the fastest line. I always get stuck in the slow-go!
Great advice I didn’t know about the app I need this now =)
Very good tips! Flying is such a pain. You end up spending hours at the airport. I’m going to try these tips next time I fly 🙂
Great advice! I have a love/hate relationship with airport security. I’m definitely trying these next month.
these are fantastic i am def taking notes!
I have not flown since before 9-11, so the next time I need to fly, I know I have a lot of catching up to do. I’m sure its mostly one what I can and can’t pack. Thanks for the information.
Very good advice. So important to pay attention and to packing right
These are excellent tips. My husband travels often and he has this all figured out. I haven’t traveled via air since they implemented the strict security changes. I last flew in 2001, when you still could go all the way to the gate with your loved one.
Standing in line is pretty much hell, I absolutely hate it! Thanks for these tips.
I will keep this in mind the next time I travel. Thank for for letting me know about these things. Waiting in line is one of my biggest pet peeves!
Great tips, it is always so stressful to have to stand in line especially with little ones in tow. Thanks for sharing.
This will be a great app and stress less traveling co’z we always stressful to have stand for an hour
I’m in if this app will save me a lot of time. I always travel light and I hate to wait too long when checking in.
These are great tips. I hate to wait in line for too long. I will download this app.
Great tips. I don’t travel very much though but handy to have these tips.
These are great tips! As someone who travels frequently I can say TSA recheck is certainly worth it.
These are great tips. I think the packing right is one of the best tips. We always have our toiletries in ziplock bags on top.
Great tips! This is one of the things I hate about flying. I hate waiting in the lines. I will try these out next time I go flying.
These are awesome tips for spending less time in line with airport security. I have not flown in years but if and when I do these are totally awesome tips and I would definitely use the TSA app. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for these tips. We are about to fly in two months and will take notes of this.
Thank you for the tips. I didn’t know there’s an app. I just downloaded.
This is a brilliant post…comes in handy since everyone travels when school is out. Thanks for sharing