If there’s someone who actually enjoys the process of going through airport security, we’ve never met that person. All too often, it’s a slow, frustrating process, and it’s sometimes humiliating as well, as when your belongings get pulled out for all to see or you get invasively patted down, also for all to see unless you request a private screening.
So, how can you make this process faster and a little less miserable? We have some ideas!
1. Check-in Online
Most airlines allow online check-in now. You can download or print your boarding pass ahead of time and go straight to bag check or security.
2. Fly at Non-peak Times
Most people don’t like getting up ridiculously early or taking red-eye flights. However, airports aren’t very busy at those times, so the trip through security can be a lot faster.
3. Know What the Rules Are
If you know what you can and can’t bring through security, your bag will be less likely to be flagged for inspection. For example, some people still don’t know you can’t bring a filled water bottle through, and then they have to waste time emptying it, arguing about it, or leaving it behind.
4. Wear Slip-on Shoes
Unless you have a special status, you’re probably going to have to take off your shoes as you go through security. Slip-on shoes are faster to remove and put back on.
5. Check Your Bag
If you check your bag, you don’t have to take it through security. This saves you time removing and replacing items like laptops, and you’ll be a lot less likely to trigger additional screening.
6. Have ID and Documents Accessible
Don’t be that person who fumbles around for their ID, passport, or other required documents and holds up everyone else in the process. Have everything you need in hand or easily accessible before you get to the TSA agent checking things.
7. Use the Shorter Lines
In airports that have multiple security locations, the ones on the end tend to have fewer people. The extra walking might require less time than standing in the busier lines.
8. Dress Strategically
Try not to wear clothing that you may have to remove or which may set off the sensors. For example, avoid belts and clothing with lots of metal snaps if you can.
9. Use the TSA App
With the app, you can check ahead of time for delays and how long the expected security time currently is. Then you can adjust your arrival time to avoid longer waits or needless time spent in the airport.
10. Pack Properly
You often have to remove items such as laptops and liquids, among other things. Know what you might have to take out and pack so that it’s quick and easy to take those things out and put them back in.
11. Minimize Metals and Liquids
Metallic objects and liquids, even if they’re within the types or amounts allowed, are more likely to get flagged for closer inspection. Not packing them, if you can, may save you that annoying wasted time as an agent rummages through your belongings to inspect items that are perfectly harmless.
12. Arrive Early
This may not have any effect on how quickly the security line moves. However, it gives you more cushion in case things are slower than usual, reducing stress over missing your flight.
13. Get Ziploc Bags
Store your liquids and anything else likely to get flagged in Ziploc bags. This makes it easier to remove them if that’s required or if your bag gets flagged.
14. Get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR
These programs do cost extra money, but most people who get them think they’re worth it. With PreCheck, for example, you don’t have to remove things like belts, shoes, and laptops. CLEAR may allow you to skip the screening line altogether.
15. Be Polite
Just be nice. TSA agents feel stress, too, and they know that everyone is unhappy about the screening process. If you’re rude to them, you’re probably more likely to “earn” additional screening. It’s just human nature.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border makes a lot of lists of the most beautiful places in America. There’s also a lot to do there, with a wide range of outdoor recreation, great dining, resorts, nightlife, and more. If it’s your first time going or if you’re going back, consider adding some of the following places to your itinerary.
15 Must-Dos on Your Next Trip to Lake Tahoe
The World’s 5 Friendliest and 5 Unfriendliest Cities
Some cities welcome visitors and want them to be there. Other cities are rude to visitors and would just as soon see you leave. It can be jarring to be in an unfriendly city, though some of the world’s most enticing cities rank high on the rudeness scale.
When you visit a friendly city, it’s much easier to soak in the culture and meet the locals. Rough Guides readers voted on the cities for their level of friendliness. According to Rough Guides, these are the world’s friendliest and unfriendliest cities.
Leave a Reply