5 Tips to Help You Clear Airport Security Quickly and Painlessly
Are you dreading the security line at the airport? If you’re flying internationally, it’s possible that you’ll have to wait hours before you board your flight. (Depending on where you are going, of course).
Luckily, there are some things you can do to make your trip through airport security less stressful and take less time overall, especially if you want to be one of the first passengers to board the plane. Here are five tips to help you clear airport security quickly and painlessly.
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1) Arrive Early
If you arrive early, you’ll have time to mentally prepare for security screenings. Additionally, airlines usually ask that travelers arrive at least two hours before international flights. Arrive even earlier than that, if possible—you don’t want to be caught up in a rush of last-minute fliers.
So be sure to leave yourself plenty of time before your flight departs, especially if you have a tight connection or need to check bags.
This can help ensure that your trip through airport security runs smoothly. If you get there early enough, you can even go sightseeing or grab breakfast!
2) Put Liquids in a Checked Bag
Since liquids aren’t allowed in your carry-on luggage, make sure you throw all toiletries, including toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash and makeup into a clear plastic bag.
Then toss it into your checked luggage for safe keeping. Better yet, roll up each of these liquids (especially toothpaste) in an old pair of pantyhose so that you don’t have a mess to clean up if your bag gets damaged or an airline loses one of your bags.
To save even more time, take advantage of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry; they allow you to go through security without removing any liquids from your bag. Both require a fee but are well worth it if you find yourself flying frequently.
3) Have Your Paperwork Ready
The best way to clear airport security quickly is by making sure you have all your necessary paperwork ready. If you don’t have a valid passport, let’s hope that doesn’t mean you’re attempting a trip without one! But, really, having all your paperwork in order ahead of time can mean big differences in how long it takes you to get through airport security.
For example, U.S. citizens who are traveling with passports that don’t expire for ten years or more are often able to use what is called Checkpoint Pre-Screening, which means they can go through an expedited TSA line that won’t require them to remove their shoes or belts before going through security.
4) Wear Comfortable Shoes
One of my biggest pet peeves is people wearing flip-flops, heels, or heavy boots through airport security. There’s no reason to slow down security by cramming your feet into tight shoes; be kind to yourself and wear comfortable shoes. I typically wear slip-on sneakers with a strap so I can easily take them off before going through scanners.
For me, it saves time at security because there’s nothing cumbersome holding me back while they scan my body and personal belongings.
As someone who flies several times a month for work, I know how important it is to clear airport security quickly and painlessly.
5) Don’t Forget Your ID