9 Tips on How to Get Through Airport Security Faster
Did you know more than 8 million people fly every day?
With so many people flying it’s no surprise that airport security can take longer than you want (depending on the airport).
Most people want to get to their gate and get on their plane sooner rather than later. Keep reading for some tips on how to get through airport security faster.
9 Tips on How to Get Through Airport Security Faster
Who doesn’t want to get through airport security faster? Especially when you’re running late.
No matter how long or short your flight is everyone has to go through aviation security. This is put in place to ensure that everyone is safe at the airport and during their flight.
1. Don’t Wear or Carry Metal
If possible travel with clothing that has no metal. If your belt has any metal on it and you must really wear it carry it in your carry on bag and put it on after you go through security.
Any jewelry that has metal in it that you absolutely must take you can do the same and pack it in your carry on bag until you get through security.
2. Wear Easy to Remove Shoes
If you didn’t know — you will have to take your shoes off when you go through security. You will have to take them off and put them in a plastic bin where they screen them.
For this reason, you will want to wear shoes that you can easily remove. The last thing you want is to trip over yourself because you’re rushing with shoes that are difficult to take on and off.
Keep in mind that thousands of people walk through security every day so you might want to wear socks to ensure you protect yourself from germs. Also if you’re 75 years of age or older you do not have to remove your shoes.
3. Have Your Paperwork on Hand
Most people forget they will need to have their license and boarding pass on hand and end up shoving it into their bag only to have to search for it when going through security. You can avoid the rush of all eyes staring at you as you dig through your bag trying to find your license and your boarding pass.
When you get your boarding pass at the gate hold on to it along with your license instead of putting your paperwork away. This will save you time and will keep you from holding up the line.
4. Have Your Laptop Ready
If you’re traveling with a laptop it’s good to know ahead of time that you will have to remove it from its case. Laptops have to go in their own bin when going through security because they are individually scanned.
Don’t have your laptop stashed at the bottom of your bag instead have it handy ready to place in a bin.
5. Liquid and Gel Items
TSA Requires that each liquid or gel item you carry is 3.4 ounces or smaller and they all have to fit in a 1-quart, clear, zip lock bag. This means that you can’t bring any drinks through security even bottled water.
Any bottles larger than 3.4 ounces? Put them in your checked bags and if you have any bottled water or juice drink up or throw it away.
6. Medicine
Prescription medicine is fine to bring through security whether it’s liquid or pills. Make sure that everything is clearly labeled and you are carrying a reasonable amount for your trip.
If your medication is liquid and larger than 3.4 ounces you’re fine. Medication doesn’t fall under the 3.4-ounce rule. You will have to declare your medications to security and they might inspect them so don’t be surprised.
If you don’t need your medication during your flight or as soon as you get off the plane then you might want to consider packing your medication in your checked luggage. This will decrease your time going through security.
7. MyTSA App
Before your flight date download the MyTSA app to make sure that you’re 100% clear on what you can and cannot bring past security. This will save you plenty of time because if you’re not sure about something you can double check ahead of time.
This will save you time and headaches when going through security.
8. Check Your Bag
To save time check your bag instead of carrying it on the plane. Although checking a bag in nowadays might cost extra, it will save you plenty of time because you won’t have to deal with picking your bag up and putting it through any machines.
You will only have to worry about removing your shoes and walking through the metal detectors.
9. Be Friendly
At the end of the day, security is doing their job but they’re human just like you. Be nice and be polite. TSA screens millions of people every day and their goal is not to annoy you but to keep you safe.
If you happen to be friendly to the agents that are taking care of the priority security lines you never know they might send you through priority saving you plenty of time. Sometimes these agents are independent airport contract workers and a friendly smile can go a long way.
Who likes dealing with grumpy people anyways?
Happy Flying!
Now that you know how to get through airport security faster you can use all of these tips for your next flight. There are better things to do at the airport than stand at security. You can relax in a lounge, grab a drink at the bar or simply enjoy watching the planes.
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