The most dreadful part of air travel is undoubtedly getting through security. While we can’t promise to make it a total walk in the park, we can offer some tried and true tips to get you through faster.
Join An Expedited Security Program
RELATED: Speed Up Your Airport Experience with TSA PreCheck and Related Services
You know when you’re waiting to go through the body scanner, and there’s always a line that goes through much faster than yours, and you can’t help but wish you were one of those lucky people? Well, if you sign up for the TSA PreCheck program, you can join the group. This government-run program makes it possible for you to be classified as a trusted traveler in their books and enjoy expedited screening every time you fly.
All you have to do is submit an application, wait for them to process a background check and then leave your days of long waits and invasive checks behind. For a five-year membership that costs $85, you can go through security without having to take off your jacket, shoes, or belt, and you can leave your laptop and your liquids in your bag.
For more information about TSA PreCheck and a host of related programs for both US and international travelers, check out our in-depth look at the topic here.
Become An Elite Airline Member
When you hold elite status with an airline, you automatically qualify to bypass the long waiting line for security screening. This is valid for any elite member of any airline, and if you’re traveling with a companion, you can bring them along. However, this service doesn’t work if you’re already in the TSA PreCheck line.
Becoming an elite member usually entails collecting miles and minimum spending per year, but you can speed up the process by getting your hands on airline credit cards that make it possible to reach your goal through a points-earning system.
Check Waiting Times In Advance
If you have some flexibility on the day of departure, you can plan to reach the airport at the best time for you to get through security. The TSA’s own app MyTSA, as well as third-party apps like MiFlight and Terminal Buddy display the waiting times of the lines at the terminal of your interest hours before your flight. This way, you’re aware of what to expect, and you can make a more informed decision about your arrival at the airport.
Check-In Online
On top of the various checkpoints and screening processes that slow us down and make us wish we were already at our destination, we can’t forget about the very first line we have to deal with on arrival: the check-in line. Luckily, there’s a way to speed things up a little, and it doesn’t take much.
