Travel Hacks For Airport Security

Traveling is such a rewarding experience, from visiting far-off lands to tasting brand new foods. But one thing is certain: getting through airport security is always a bit of a bummer. If you want to minimize your time spent in the security line, here are a couple of quick tips to get you through airport security without any hassle!

Wear Slip-On Shoes

With new TSA requirements, all travelers must take off their shoes when passing through security. If you’re wearing laced shoes, tall boots, or complicated tie-on sandals, you can be spending valuable time just trying to get your shoes off. Slip-on loafers, skateboard shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are a great idea when passing through security. That way you can easily slide them off and place them through the x-ray machine without spending the time trying to untie them or lace them back up after you get through the security screening. These are some of our favorite airport friendly shoes. This is a simple way to limit time spent at airport security.

Keep Your Liquids and Large Electronics at the Top of Your Carry-On

Since you have to pull out your liquids and larger electronics, such as laptops, for the x-ray machine, keep them in the most accessible spot in your carry-on luggage. You don’t want to waste time digging through your carry-on baggage trying to find your zip-top bag of soaps or having to completely rearrange your clothes to get everything to fit back in your carry-on luggage later. Just have everything you need to take out on top, so you can easily grab and close it again without holding up the security line. Also having them in a clear bag will help immensely to avoid having the airport security needing to open your toilet tree bag.

Ditch the Full Water Bottle

With stricter regulations on liquids, you now have to empty all bottles before passing through the security checkpoint. Instead of buying an overpriced disposable bottle, bring a reusable one! The HYDAWAY bottle collapses to an inch thick when empty, so you can save room in your carry-on bag and fill it up when you’re past the security checkpoint. It’s so much easier than trying to get a massive stainless-steel bottle to fit amongst your other travel necessities.

Print Your Boarding Pass Ahead of Time

Some airlines allow you to check-in and print your boarding pass online or at home. Others even have a mobile app that allows you to bypass printing your pass completely. Utilize these services so you don’t have to wait in line at the service desk to get your boarding pass printed out.

 

Have All Documents Ready

Being stuck behind passengers who have to rummage through their overstuffed carry-on luggage for their boarding pass can be very frustrating, especially if you’re someone who likes to get through the screening process as quickly as possible. Before you get to the front of the line, have your boarding pass and identification (such as your passport or driver’s license)  ready for all members of your party. That way, the TSA agent can just scan your boarding pass and check your identification quickly, without having to wait for you to find the items that you need.

Consider Applying for TSA Precheck

If you’re a frequent flier, you may want to consider applying for TSA Pre-Check. This allows you to keep most things in your carry-on luggage and you don’t have to remove your shoes or belts before passing through the metal detectors. Plus, wait times are typically much shorter than the full security line. You can apply for TSA PreCheck for $85 and it’s good for 5 years!

Whether you’re flying for business or for leisure, nobody wants to waste time standing in line for security. Think of these tips the next time you’re heading out to the airport so you can make it through security in a flash.

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