Getting Through Airport Security Without the Hassle

October 28, 2019
Jess

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One of the most stressful parts of traveling by plane is getting through airport security. The lines are often long and the rules and regulations for what’s allowed and what isn’t seem to change like the weather. If you don’t plan well enough, you could find yourself waiting to catch the next flight to your destination (which is obviously going to cost you). Below, are some simple solutions for getting through airport security without the hassle.

Pack Properly

Packing is not as simple as throwing things you want and need to travel into a suitcase. In an effort to protect airport staff, travelers, and the general public, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has set rules and regulations that must be followed. When checking your bags at airport security, they are essentially checking to ensure that you have followed those rules.

There are certain things you can and cannot pack. There are also certain specifications on things you can bring. For example, if you enjoy the best vape subscription box at home, chances are you’re going to want to vape during your trip. While you can bring your vape mod, battery, charger, and e-liquids on the plane, they must be in your carryon bag and not in your checked-in luggage.

Dress Appropriately

This isn’t to imply that you need to head to the airport in a suit and tie or dress. It simply means to dress for the airport security process. You shouldn’t wear anything that contains too much metal or you’ll risk setting off the detectors. If you have metal items such as jewelry or keys, you may want to put them in your carryon to make the process a bit easier. You also will have to remove your shoes and jacket so you want to wear things that can easily be taken on and off.

Pack Light

The more things you have with you the longer it can take for you to get through the airport security process. The best way to speed things up is to pack as light as you can. Many things like toiletries and hair appliances are provided at the hotels and you can pack versatile light clothing, and purchase other items you might need once you arrive at your destination.

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Have Everything You Need Ready

When you get to the airport security checkpoint, you will be asked for key information. This includes a state license or identification card, your passport, and your airline tickets. If you have prescription medications, you may also be asked to show proof of these prescriptions so, have this on hand as well. Save yourself the trouble by keeping all of these things in a bag closest to you that is easy to access and provide for validation.

Get a Laptop-Friendly Bag

You may not have been aware of this, but when going through the metal detectors you will need to take your laptop out of the bag and place it in a clear bin. To avoid frustration, you could purchase a checkpoint safe bag. The bag also needs to have a section exclusively for your laptop that doesn’t contain any metal components.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck

Travelers who fly frequently might appreciate being able to pay $85 to receive a card (that lasts five years) that allows you to be checked in a special screening lane. This precheck allows you to leave your shoes, light jackets, and belt on. You can also keep your laptop in its case. This speeds up the process for all travelers in these lanes reducing the frustration of long lines.

Arrive on Time

Here’s a tip that may seem pretty obvious, but many travelers don’t follow – arrive on time. Though you can’t account for issues in the airport security line or flight delays, arriving any later than 2 hours before your flight leaves could cut it close for making your flight on time. You need to find parking, get to the airport, find your terminal, and check your bags before you can board the plane. This could take several hours, so it is best to be early than cut it close.

No one likes the idea of long lines and multiple security checks at the airport, however, it’s for your own good. The best way to try to cut down on the stress and get through the security checkpoints with ease is to prepare in advance using the tips described above.