One of the worst parts of traveling by plane is having to wait in long TSA lines at the airport and being searched for by strangers. From the strict rules of packing liquids to the inconvenience of taking off your shoes, there are ways that can take a long time to get through airport security.
To ensure that you make your flight on time and can quickly get through the checkpoints, there are several important steps to take to make the process smooth.
Wear Slip-on Shoes
One of the most time-consuming parts of going through airport security is having to take your shoes off, put them in the plastic bin, and put them back on while you struggle with your luggage. Make the process simpler by wearing slip-on shoes for a step that only takes seconds as opposed to minutes. Consider wearing socks with slip-on shoes to avoid walking barefoot on airport floors.
Bring One Bag
Avoid bringing lots of bags with you on the plane, which can make it difficult to scan everything as you go through the lines. Choose to pack essentials in a backpack or bag for an easy way to have less to look for.
Empty Your Water
Water, juice and other drinks are all prohibited when you go through the TSA line. Empty the contents of any drinks you carry and refill them before you board the plane to avoid having to throw them away after airport security sees them as yours.
Sign up for the TSA Preliminary Screening
Airports across the country are finally realizing how time-consuming it is for travelers to get through TSA lines and risk missing flights if they happen to be searched. Sign up for TSA pre-examination before arriving at the airport, which is a trusted travel program that allows you to get screened in advance and skip the long lines. Although this program is not available at every airport, it can be accessed at 130 locations across the country for the convenience of flying. Those who fly frequently are often eligible for the program and must be invited.
You can also join a frequent-flyer program to gain access to exclusive, faster security checkpoint lanes that only take one to two minutes to get through.
Avoid Carrying Your Laptop
It can be a pain to pack your laptop and take it on the plane because it has to be scanned before you board. This will require you to remove it from the case, carefully placing it on top conveyor system, and risk damaging the device. Instead, leave it or pack it in your checked baggage to ensure you get on the plane more quickly.
Avoid Using Metal
Keep your clothes simple when you leave for the airport to make sure you are don’t use it whatever will cause you to be searched for. A heavy belt or piece of jewelry that contains large pieces of metal will likely get you stopped in the TSA line so you can be searched. This can easily take 20 to 30 minutes to complete because of the long earrings or chunky necklace you are wearing. Similarly, clear your pockets of coins or any items to ensure that they don’t cause trouble and cause security to assume that you may be carrying a weapon.
Look at the Security Agent
To determine which line moves the fastest before you start the process of waiting to go through security, take a look at the agents who appear to be speeding travelers along. An agent who doesn’t appear to be in a rush is likely to hold the line and may add a few extra minutes to your wait.
