Top Ways To Speed Through Airport Security

Top Ways To Speed Through Airport Security

No one likes the tedious necessity of being herded through airport security when traveling. Fortunately, there are quite a few things you can do to speed up your own beeline to the departure lounge and make it easier for the security staff who are helping to keep you safe. Here are those top ways to speed through airport security.

1. Keep your boarding pass, passport and forms in an easily accessible spot.

Ever been behind someone in a line that’s frantically trying to find their papers? Don’t be that person. It’s less stress on you and less frustration on everyone else if you have those things in an easy-reach place. Some bags(like this one) have specific compartments exactly for this purpose. Keep things safe, yet just a zip away.    

2. Store away all your pocket items before getting to the front of the line.

We all know you need to take your wallet, phone, keys and other things out of your pockets before going through a scanner. So, don’t wait until the last minute to do it. Put them in your backpack or briefcase early on, or slip them into a jacket with multiple pockets.The Pacsafe Transit Series was designed specifically for this purpose. Just slide off the hoodie and put it through the x-ray while you stroll through the scanner beep-free.

3. Be laptop (and iPad) smart.

You always need to take your laptop and tablet out when going through the scanners. Same rules as above apply here – put it in an easy get to spot and get it in the trays as soon as you hit the line. If you’re in need of an anti-theft backpack that has a specialized, padded laptop compartment that’s easy to get to,this could be your next travel buddy.

4. Wear easy on, easy off footwear (when traveling in the USA)

When in the USA, you need to take your shoes off when going through security. Tight laces or onerous boots will slow you down big time. Wear sneakers instead and make the whole process as comfortable as possible. If you’re traveling for business and need to keep up appearances, look for some nice leather loafers that will slip off and on, yet still look the part.  

5. Pick your line

Remember the Simpsons episode where Apu imparts his hard-earned wisdom about not lining up behind that old guy who will chat the ear off the person at checkout and hold everyone else up? That logic applies here too. Families are generally slower to negotiate customs, so avoid going behind them if you can. People who look disorganized could also halt efficient progress. There are also often lines that look longer yet move faster because they have multiple scanners going. So, look up ahead and try to judge the quickest route if you can. It can actually be a bit of fun.

6. Fill In Your Forms Early

The pen is mightier than the sword (plus they won’t let you take swords on planes anymore). Depending on where you’re headed or landing, you may have to fill in arrival or departure cards. Make sure you take a pen with you, so you can either do it in the comfort of your airplane seat or having a coffee before going through customs. This tiny bit of preparation can make things so, so much easier.

Safe Travels!

By Tim Hawken

Tim Hawken is an Australian writer who enjoys surfing, Indian food and romantic midnight strolls to the beer fridge. He has clocked up visits to 23 countries on 5 continents (and counting). Find out more about his weird world by heading tohis website, or following him onInstagram andTwitter.