How to quickly pass airport security: what you can bring, how to save time, and what not to joke about with security personnel
The airport during the travel season can make even the most sedate traveler mad: thousands of people, long lines for security screening, and general commotion are exhausting and annoying. Fortunately, even these situations can be managed if you take a few tips for travelers at the airport: not only on how to get through the airport queue faster but also on other useful know-how. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed rules for travelers, but if you research them carefully - and with a little common sense - you can discover some tricks and helpful tips to make your airport experience easier. You can learn what to take and what not to take with you to the airport, how to get through security faster, and other simple but effective life hacks.
Write your full name on your ticket
To avoid unnecessary problems and delays at the checkpoint, check in advance that the name on your boarding pass matches your ID card. Otherwise, you will lose time explaining that you are the person on the ticket. Save nicknames and abbreviations for use elsewhere.
Sign up for TSA programs
Global Entry, PreCheck, Clear, and similar programs help travelers get through airport security quickly. For example, enrolling in PreCheck will allow you to keep your light jacket, belt, or shoes on at security screening. It covers about 200 airlines and 85 airports, and the annual fee costs about $70-$80, so if you travel often, it's a worthwhile investment for comfortable travel.
Clear allows you to get through airport identity checks faster. Instead of waiting in line at security to show their ID, a passenger simply needs to walk up to a Clear pod at the airport and confirm with a fingerprint or eye scan. Many travelers recommend using both PreCheck and Clear on their travels, believing that they complement each other effectively and help them get through airport security quickly.
There is another way to speed up your itinerary, and this service is often free. Some large international airports offer it. For example, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a passenger can register their check-in time with SEA Spot Saver upon arrival at the airport or in advance, a few days before their departure date. When checking in, you must provide the airline, destination and flight number, the number of passengers in your group, and your contact information. Once you arrive at the airport, you can go about your business, for example, go shopping or to a café, and by the appointed time simply go to the designated checkpoint with the SEA Spot Saver logo, confirm your check-in and go through the check-in quickly and without queuing.
Think in advance about your clothing and pack thoughtfully
Fashion is a personal matter for everyone, but when traveling, you should still think about the appropriateness of the clothes and accessories you are going to wear. Opt for minimalism. You'll want to remove jewelry that doesn't need a metal detector, a belt, or an extra sweater. Don't opt for airport shoes that are uncomfortable to put on or that need to be laced up for a long time. Wear something that comes off quickly and easily, and don't forget to wear socks.
Tips for getting through airport security also apply to untidily folded carry-on luggage. Sometimes TSA officers check bags, and if your stuff falls out of it in a mess after the zipper is unzipped, you'll spend time packing it all up again, especially if you have a lot of stuff in your hand luggage. Think ahead of time about what you'll need to reach for when you get to the x-ray, such as a laptop, and don't put it in the depths of your bag. Use packing dividers to keep things organized. That way, you won't have to frantically flip your entire bag and try to put everything back together.
Use the time in line to get ready
If you do get stuck in line, don't waste your time. You will have something to do to get through airport security without delay. Check and empty your pockets, and put things in your carry-on luggage. Even something small left in your pockets can make the officers pay closer attention to you and cause a search. So don't create difficult situations for yourself. While you're standing in line, make sure your water bottle is emptied, and your laptop and other technology are removed from your carry-on and ready for the conveyor belt.
Check what you can and cannot bring through security
Most passengers are well aware of the 3-1-1 rule about carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols - items like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, skin lotion, etc. are also compliant. But what about everything else? Research information about allowable and prohibited items and products on the TSA website or app.
Don't bring beverages to the checkpoint
A bottle of water left in your belongings could get you pulled out of line for inspection, and then you'll have to wait again. But you can and should bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up with drinking water after you pass the checkpoint. This way, you will not only be able to quickly pass the control at the airport but also solve the question of how to save money on buying water. As for coffee, you will have plenty of places to purchase it on your way to the gate.
Save the humor for other occasions
It's great when a person has a good sense of humor, but it's even better if they know when it's appropriate to joke. So don't try to cheer everyone up with stories about explosives, guns, drugs, and other such things while you're waiting to be searched. Security officers at work have no sense of humor, so joking that you have a bomb in your bag is not appropriate. You could end up being arrested and fined.
You should also discuss the instances where having a firearm in your luggage is not a joke. Remember, all firearms must be declared at the airline counter for the case containing them to be carried inside the plane: neither you nor any other passenger should have access to them. It may indeed seem ridiculous, but TSA employees regularly find firearms (including loaded firearms) in carry-on luggage, which is strictly prohibited.
Don't drop small objects onto the X-ray tape
If an object falls between the conveyor rollers, the belt will have to stop. So not only will you not be able to pass through the airport control quickly, but you will also delay other passengers and get a lot of unpleasant looks in your direction. Small things, such as keys, boarding passes, and phones are better left in a bag or bowl.
Take care of your pets if you are traveling with them: take them out of the carrier and go through the metal detector together.
Courtesy is the key to success
A crowded airport is a significant emotional strain not only for passengers but also for airport and airline employees. So stay calm and be courteous to everyone, whether it's the TSA employee checking you in or another passenger who didn't use these tips to get through airport security and is now delaying themselves and everyone else. Remember: a polite person makes others want to cooperate, help, and compromise. Not to mention that it will lift your mood before traveling.
