Get Through Airport Security Like A Pro

I am packing once again to go on another trip.  As excited as I am to lay in a breezy ocean-front hammock, drink in hand, I remember how much of a pain it is to get there.  In the airport, you can usually tell who are frequent travelers by the way they quickly cruise through without breaking a sweat or skipping a beat.  I like being efficient like that too!  Wouldn’t your rather kick back with a coffee, reading a book (or your guilty pleasure tabloid magazine) at your gate as you wait for your fellow passengers to get there?!  Well, here are some SUPER SIMPLE tips to help you get to your gate faster!

YOUR PRE-GAME 

1) STICKY ADDRESSES

Print your name, addresses, & phone numbers on small label stickers.  You want to print the address of your destination(s) AND your home (for your return trip).  Print enough copies for your luggage.  Once you get to the airport, you can simply stick these onto the bag tags you find at the check-in counter instead of writing them out.  This is especially handy when traveling with a group.

2) DON'T TIP THE SCALE

Weigh your luggage PRIOR to arriving at the airport.  Ensure you comply with airline restrictions!  Exceeding these weight restrictions will either result in you paying an extra fee (which is NOT cheap) or you removing items until the luggage meets the weight limit.

3) ONLINE CHECK IN

These days, a lot of airlines let you check in online 24 hours before the scheduled flight.  Take advantage of this and beat the line!  You will need your passport and flight confirmation.  Once you get to the airport with the boarding pass you printed out at home, you can print out the baggage tags yourself and go to the “express line” or baggage drop-off.  You will have the check-in line checking you out wishing they had done the same.

EASY ACCESS

4) CROSSBODY

Pick a bag with easily accessible pockets.  I love crossbody bags (for men & women) because it is easy to carry, it can be placed in front/behind you with ease, and (unlike a backpack) the contents are easy to reach. This makes it absolutely effortless to access your essentials: Passports, boarding pass, & a pen. And forget the cute passport covers.  The airline reps and national security will ask you to remove it.

5) BAGGED LIQUIDS

Generally speaking, the 3-1-1 Rule is pretty standard throughout all airports.  The 3-1-1 rule states all liquids and gels should be no more than 3.4 oz (100mL) which all must be all contained in a 1 quart clear bag, and only 1 bag per passenger.  Check restrictions online.  Prepare this bag BEFORE getting to the airport!  Keep this bag sealed and easily accessible at the TOP of your carry on so you don’t have to dig for it when you put it through the scanner at the security checkpoints.  I’m so serious.  I always get held up because of this!

6) ELECTRONICS

Laptops, cell phones, & tablets should also be removed from your bag when going through the scanner.  It should be removed from any sleeve.  Make sure these are quickly accessible in your carry on.  If you keep it inside your suitcase or bag, they are more likely than not to stop you and ask to see it and do a more thorough physical search of your bag. which will take up more time and put a halt to the line.

SIMPLIFY

7) EFFORTLESS STYLE

Wear something simple and comfortable.  Additional accessories will just slow you down at those body scanners.  If you want to wear a watch or scarf or something functional, I would suggest keeping it safe in your purse/bag until after the security checks.  Make sure your outfit is easy without extra assembly.  Same goes for the shoes.  Many times they will ask you to put them through the scanner, so make sure they can be removed/worn easily.

8) HANDS-FREE

Imagine after the security scan you are juggling a mini bottle of shampoo, a travel pillow, your ipod, and passport as you frantically try to pack your laptop & liquids back in your bag as bins of other passengers are piling up quickly behind you.  Avoid carrying individual items like pillows, cell phones, etc. by hand.  Keep them in your bag so you can move freer.  Also you are less likely to lose things.

9) BOOKMARK

I usually keep my boarding pass bookmarked in my passport to where my picture is.  This makes it quicker to reference through all the checks you may pass.

ORGANIZE

10) SEQUENCE

If you are carrying on a mini suitcase plus a personal item with all the crap I listed above, you may find this tip handy.  The security scan can get pretty stressful.  Because if you don’t move fast enough, you will hold up the line.  Think about the order of items you put through the scanner that will help you clear out faster on the other end.  This is what I do:  Carry on suitcase goes in first, then my cross body bag, then all the electronics, liquid, & loose items in the bins at the end.  The passport is in my hand.  This works because on the other end the carryon suitcase comes out first, I put that on the ground and pop the handle up right away.  Next comes your personal bag (which should somewhat be empty because you took all the crap out.)  that way once the bin of your items comes out, you are just filling up your bag. Ta-da!! I’ve held up that line before.  And those security guys don’t care about your stuff. They just want you to get out of there!

  

11) POUCH IT

Keep your carry on organized.  I use separate bags/pouches to divide smaller items in my carry on suitcase.  In case they need to open it up and take it apart, you don’t need to exert much effort to reassemble it.  Example: Chargers, mp3 players, headphones in one pouch.  Medication in another pouch. Toiletries in another pouch.  Also it will take less time for them to search your bag if your pouch/bags are clear.

These lines are inevitable.  Always arrive 2.5-3 hours early to ensure you have enough time to go through the process. & make sure to check airport, airline, & immigration restrictions!  Take a deep breath and exercise patience.  Happy Travels!