Get Through Airport Security More Efficiently
Travelers around the world will agree that one of the most frustrating parts of traveling is dealing with TSA or Airport Security. From the long lines to the aggressive checks and re-checks, wading through security is often one of the biggest headaches of the flying process. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Come Prepared
One of the most frustrating things about going through a TSA line is having to unpack your bag and dress down for security. Fortunately, you can avoid some of this headache by walking into the airport, already dressed appropriately. ‘Dressing appropriately’ can be as simple as wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off, and leaving your watches or metal bracelets in your carry-on. This simple step can help you completely sidestep some of the most frustrating aspects of a TSA line.
Understand the Process
Like all big agencies, the TSA has a set process for all of their security checks. The information and criteria they use to perform their checks is far from a secret, and can easily be found online. Understanding how they perform their security checks can go a long way in helping you get through the line faster. Some of these rules include: making sure all liquids in your carry-on bag are in clear containers, ensuring all carry-on liquid don’t exceed 3.4 ounces and emptying out your reusable water bottle before stepping through security.
Purchase a First Class Ticket
Sometimes it helps to pay a little more upfront for your flight. Not only will you get premium accommodations on the plane, but you can also benefit from a shorter TSA experience. While each airline offers its own benefits to First-Class and Premium ticket holders many of them provide expedited security and boarding lines, which can remove some of that TSA fatigue.
Become an Elite Airline Member
Much like buying a first-class or premium ticket, airline elite members also receive special perks and bonuses for their purchase. Each airline offers their own unique elite member packages, but many of them allow flyers to access priority security lines, and in some cases access to a special terminal waiting area.
Sign Up for TSA Pre-Check
It seems that even the TSA knows how long their waits can be and has set up an extremely useful tool for the frequent flyer: TSA Pre-Check. With TSA Pre-Check you can get access to a shorter security line, and have to deal with far fewer security checks. This means you won’t have to remove your shoes, jacket, and laptop nor have to walk barefoot through the security check while you wait for TSA to sift through your luggage. Enrolling in TSA Pre-Check is fairly simple. All you have to do is apply online and submit yourself to a background check, once that’s done you can enjoy faster and easier security lines. TSA can certainly be a headache, but with the right strategy and a little bit of careful planning, you can slip through the line and board your plane with ease.
