I get asked all the time if there is a trick or special sauce to get through airport security faster. While some of the process is out of our control, such as length of lines or how many security personnel are on point, there are many things you can do to speed yourself along and mitigate delays:
1) Have your ID and boarding pass out and ready to hand to the TSA agent. If you use your cell phone, take a screen shot of the boarding pass to avoid internet connection disruption.
2) Wear slip-on shoes. Unless you are 12 and under or 75 and over, you have to take your shoes off to go through the screening machines. Wear shoes that don’t require lacing, buckling, or boots that are difficult to get on/off. And on that note, I recommend a pair of socks (sans holes!) for going through screening. Change into your flip-flops or sandals after you’re finished at the checkpoint.
3) Don’t wear a belt. If you must, place it in an easy to get to pocket on your carryon and wait until you clear security before putting it on.
4) Place your liquids in an accessible compartment. There’s enough going on without rooting through your bags trying to find the little baggie.
5) Remove everything from your pockets, including loose change and place in your purse or backpack. Remove bulky jewelry and watches. If you don’t have a purse or backpack, put all loose items in one of the small baskets provided to decrease the likelihood of forgetting something.
6) If you are traveling with a laptop, pull it out and place in a bin. Or purchase a TSA approved carrying case. Otherwise, you’ll have your bag searched. If you don’t have a TSA case, place it in a bin with your shoes if they’ll fit. You’re less likely to walk off and forget it after screening. Laptops and small electronics are the most frequent items left behind at security checkpoints. And, it doesn’t hurt to tape a business card or small ID card with your name and cell to the laptop just in case.
7) If there is a long line, check out other security access points. Many airports have more than one screening area within a terminal. For example, there may be a screening area for gates 1- 15 and another for gates 16 - 30. But, you have access to all 30 after exiting the checkpoint. More than once I’ve seen lengthy lines at one checkpoint and no waiting at another. The TSA doesn’t care which one you use.
8) Get TSA Pre-Check. If you travel more than once or twice a year, this is really worth considering. It’s $85 - $100 for five years, depending on which version you select. TSA Pre-Check allows you to leave your shoes and jacket on, your toiletries and laptop snug in your bag, and a separate line that is usually shorter and definitely speedier!
And after you zip through security, you can relax, sit-back and enjoy a coffee or cocktail and watch everyone else scurry around! Beep beep!
Click here for TSA site.