18 Best Ways To Help You Get Through Airport Security Faster

Whether you are gallivanting around the world, on your way to visit loved ones, or just traveling a lot for work, there is no getting around TSA and airport security. Until recently, the time it typically took to get through airport security was somewhat manageable as long as you arrived several hours before your scheduled boarding time (via USA Today). But, as more and more travelers are taking to the skies, the overall process is taking much longer.

Of course, nobody likes waiting in long lines before going on vacation or sprinting to their gate because a big chunk of their travel time was spent getting through security. Yet, amid the great travel surge, even when utilizing some of the best airport hacks, travelers are experiencing hiccups and unexpected delays (via The New York Times). So how can you speed up the process? Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help you get through security faster.

Speaking of airport attire, everyone loves comfy or cute airport outfits. But before you don your favorite fashion accessories, ask yourself if it will cause issues with the metal detectors. If the answer is yes, you already know what needs to happen next. By opting for easy-to-remove and TSA-approved clothing and accessories, getting through the latter part of security should be a breeze. So, remember to put your outdoor jackets in your carry-on luggage and to wear slip-on or take-off friendly shoes with socks (via TSA).

Travelers should also avoid if at all possible, wearing clothing items with multiple pockets like cargo pants or with hidden pockets, which includes your new travel jacket, vest, or hoodie (via USA Today). Clothing with ample pocket space can easily be filled up with change, keys, AirPods, small metal objects, and other prohibited items that will set off the metal detector or lead to further inspection. Taking little things like this into consideration will help streamline getting through airport security.

In addition to properly planning ahead, savvy travelers should check to see if they are flying out of one of the few airports in the United States that offer pre-booking. That's right — several airports allow eager passengers to make a TSA appointment in advance (via Cheapism). Up to 72 hours before their scheduled flight time, passengers can essentially go online and use their smartphone to reserve a spot with TSA. It is worth noting that travelers will still have to queue up in their designated order once they arrive at the airport.

Nonetheless, pre-booking appears to make things happen a little quicker. Though this is a relatively new concept, if it does take off (pun intended), there is a strong likelihood that more and more airports across the country and maybe even the world will adopt this time-saving procedure. At the moment, passengers can pre-book their security experience at the following airports: Seattle, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Charleston, and LAX (Los Angeles).

Yet another commonly used service available for travelers is Global Entry. Passengers that have Global Entry are granted expedited clearance with customs (via U.S. Customs and Border Control). Here, all you need to do is download the app and follow the necessary prompts to get signed up. 

There is a yearly fee for this app, but with it comes low-risk traveler status which you can use to bypass long lines upon your arrival in the United States. But that is not all — Global Entry members are also entitled to TSA PreCheck benefits, which means you can use the shorter TSA PreCheck security lines at airports.

If you happen to travel quite often, then chances are you have racked up some miles. Better still, if you exclusively use a particular airline and have a travel credit card with said airline, you probably have reached some tier of elite status. For instance, on Delta, your elite status gets you access to a host of Sky Priority perks, such as early check-in, free checked bags, and premium boarding lanes. With this level of status also comes — you guessed it — some form of accelerated security (via Delta). 

An added bonus here is if you happen to be a Delta American Express cardholder, there are often discounts for Clear and TSA PreCheck. That said, it is worth noting that other airlines, including American, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest, and United, also offer similar perks.

For travelers who are never in one place for too long, keeping track of all the airports you frequent can be challenging. So if you find yourself flying out of more than one local airport, the MyTSA app should be in your bag of tricks or on your phone. This uber-convenient app allows travelers to be in the know when it comes to weather conditions, traffic issues, possible delays, wait times, and more (via Million Mile Secrets). 

You can also utilize the MyTSA app to find which airports have TSA PreCheck security lines and Clear machines. So, this is definitely another travel app worth downloading if you want to stay on top of multiple airports and their security traffic in real-time.

Another way to bypass all the other travelers in line is by staying at the hotel at the airport the night before your flight. Spending the night in the airport hotel is ideal if you have a morning flight or are taking the red-eye. 

But even if you don't have an early flight, you can still take a load off when you book a room at the airport (via The Points Guy). Wonder why? Typically, the hotel in the airport offers its own security line for guests. Thus, stress-free and streamlined is the name of the game here, which means no more scrambling to get it all together at 3 a.m. or earlier only to end up waiting in line.

Of course, in order to make it through airport security without a hitch, packing appropriately is a must (via TSA). Who among us hasn't experienced delays due to items that TSA doesn't allow? Still, savvy travelers, especially those short on time, should always make sure that their luggage is not filled to the brim with things that won't make it past TSA (via Reader's Digest).

TSA agents are absolutely sticklers for the rules, so it is important to keep that in mind when packing. Even if you know that you'll need something that TSA may or may not permit you to have on board, it is better to go without in the interest of time.

With so many rules and regulations regarding carry-on luggage, it is sometimes easier to simply check your bag. Sure, checking your bags these days seems to be a hot-button issue — some frequent flyers are for it, while others are against it. But you know what happens when you check your luggage? You have less stuff that needs to be inspected by TSA (via Capsule Suitcase).

That said, if you are worried that the airline will lose your luggage if you check your bags, you are definitely not alone. Travelers with multiple connections should absolutely use their discretion and pack accordingly. For direct flights, however, the likelihood of your luggage getting lost is very low. So, in this instance, you should not be afraid to free yourself up a bit and glide through security.

With so many ways to get through airport security more efficiently, you might think there is nothing left to do to speed the process along. But you'd be wrong. More often than not, unless you own a private jet, you don't walk into the airport with a smile on your face and a little pep in your step. The truth is that traveling involves a lot of planning, queuing up, waiting around, and often a dash of anxiety.

Nonetheless, you might be surprised to learn just how far a little kindness, patience, and understanding can go (via The Points Guy). Sure, there are probably many TSA agents that love their jobs and only want the best for every passenger they meet. But one thing is for sure, unruly, angry, or less-than-enthused travelers definitely don't help speed up the security process. So, if all else fails, try showing a little empathy when you can, and remember that everyone's just doing their job.