Make Travel Less Stressful
No one likes airport security. Not you, not the adorable grandma behind you—not even the shivering Chihuahua observing life from its crate. But it’s an essential part of flying. As painstaking as it can be, we’ve narrowed down some simple tips to help the process.
Gary Johnson on Wikimedia Commons
1. Check-In Online
Most airlines let you check in at least 24 hours before departure, so watch for their notifications. It’s much easier to go through security when you aren’t at risk of missing your flight.
2. Arrive Early
You never know what delays could befall you. Arriving early eliminates any last-minute stress and keeps you in the airport should gates change, flights get delayed, or important announcements be made. At least security is over and done with should anything happen.
3. Look Into Pre-Check Services
Some airlines offer pre-check services online, meaning you can bypass the line upon arrival. TSA, for example, has its own version of paid pre-check services—an annual fee lets you skip ahead to the express lines where you’ll only wait about ten minutes to clear security.
4. Try Not to Panic
We know airport security is tough, and it doesn’t help that every airport has its own way of doing things. However, try to remain calm. As taxing as it is, you have access to every piece of information online from what you can bring to how you should store it.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wikimedia
5. Plan Who You’re Traveling With
Airport security is taxing enough without last-minute hiccups. Believe it or not, the rules change based on who you’re traveling with—the elderly, children, and pets don’t all follow the same guidelines as everyday passengers. Plan ahead and follow any age (or species) specific regulations.
6. Brush Up on the Rules
Speaking of which, all passengers should familiarize themselves with security guidelines! Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, look into restricted items, how to label certain things, and what to expect when you get there. Most airlines’ sites offer a step-by-step guide on how to efficiently move through their security.
Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
7. Pack Wisely
Now that you know which items go in the bin, pack accordingly. Keep electronics accessible in your carry-on. Invest in packing cubes or cable organizers for easier retrieval. The quicker you get things into those bins, the quicker they’re scanned and you’re on your way.
8. Mark Your Luggage
People often forget about the chaos at the end—sure, you may be past the metal detector but now you’re in a mad scramble to find your suitcase. An easy way around this is with some sort of marker on your bag, like a scarf or identifiable luggage tag!
9. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Layer appropriately, regardless of when you travel. Wintertime means jacket and sweater removal whereas summertime means ankle socks in case of shoe removal. Efficient layering means efficient security.
10. Avoid Anything Metal
Pack all metal in your carry-on. (Unless, of course, you want to set off the detector.) Belts, watches, zippers, and even a bra’s underwire can trigger the detector, so plan accordingly.
11. Remove Your Coat
Think of the metal detector as an X-ray—you wouldn’t wear your coat in the doctor’s office, so don’t wear it through security. It’s best to remove any bulky layers before you even make it to security, that way everything's ready to go before the bin pops up.
12. Wear Simple Shoes
Passengers are often required to remove their shoes during security checks, which means slip-ons are in order. The last thing you want is to frantically untie and retie your shoes in the middle of a busy line.
13. Keep Documents Close
Airport security will always ask for documentation. Make both your lives easier by keeping your boarding pass and identification readily available. It’s also important to look into which types of I.D. your airport accepts.
14. Label Medication
While medication is allowed on airlines, passengers usually need to label it. Security’s a breeze when you make everything as simple as possible for the agents, so try to keep medication in its original packaging. Oftentimes, the pharmacy’s label is more than enough.
15. Download Digital Documents
It’s easy to get flustered during screening—digital documents make it easier for you to keep track. Many airline apps add your boarding pass to an Apple wallet or provide a downloadable version for your phone.
16. Prepare for Additional Screening
Like it or not, airport security sometimes entails additional screening. While it likely won’t happen, it’s still a good idea to read into what that means and how to proceed. It’s usually no more than another layer of scanning, but it’s better to be prepared.
17. Check Your Bag
Most flights fill up quickly. You know it and airlines know it, which is why they often send emails offering free checked carry-ons. Sometimes they even bump you up a zone! If you’re willing to part with your bag for the trip, consider checking it and save yourself the hassle altogether.
18. Upgrade to First Class
If you have a little cash to blow, there’s no shame in flying first class. Not only do you have more space and access to in-flight meals, but you also skip the line and head straight to first-class security. Wait times in those lines are typically only a few minutes.
19. Travel During the Off-Season
Peak travel seasons mean hectic security. Avoid chaotic times if you can—slower seasons open the door to easier travel and far less to worry about.
20. Be Polite
We’ll say it. (Quietly, but we’ll say it.) Not every TSA agent is friendly. Though it’s nerve-wracking, don’t poke the bear during security. Remain calm and keep a cool head. Even if they aren’t the nicest, it’ll all be over soon if you follow these tips!
.jpg){kind=link}