Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re dishing out travel tips on how to go through airport security quickly and easily. Going through airport security checkpoints is just one of those travel inconveniences that we all have to go through. If you’re a first-time flyer, there are some TSA tips you should know that will help your trip get off to a smooth start. Travel days are stressful, so we want to share our best tips for making them as stress-free as possible.
Have a Valid ID
The rules on travel documents are constantly changing. You need to make sure you have the proper identification before you leave for the airport. If you are flying domestically in the United States, you might only need your driver’s license. (Even this is changing as some state ID’s are not recognized by the Federal government or TSA. Check the Homeland Security website for the latest requirements.) If you are flying abroad, you need to make sure your passport is good for six months after your trip. You could be denied entry to your destination country if your passport is expiring soon.
Tips for Not Missing Your Flight
Don’t Forget Your Boarding Pass
These days, many of us use a digital boarding pass on our phone. Whether you carry a paper boarding pass or use your phone app, have it ready as you approach the TSA checkpoint. Don’t wait until you’re at the podium to try and find your boarding pass.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Don’t try to cut it close and save time. Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. General guidelines are two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. If you are flying out of a small regional airport, you might be able to get by with one hour before your flight. The time of day and day of the week will affect TSA wait times as well. Some of the larger airports might even post this information on their websites so you can gauge your wait times.
The Five Most Common Airport Mistakes by Travelers
Know The TSA Rules Ahead of Time
It’s been 14 years since the 3 oz liquid rule was put into place, but there’s always someone who tries to put a full bottle of shampoo or a full bottle of water on the security belt. Know the rules ahead of time and things will go much smoother for you. (and those behind you!) Don’t buy a giant bottle of water or a cup of Starbucks coffee before you go through the TSA checkpoint. It doesn’t matter if you bought it at the airport; you will have to dump it.
- Follow the 3-1-1 Rule:
- Liquids or gels must be in a 3 oz or 100 ml container
- All liquid & gel containers must fit in 1 1-quart size clear container
Some airports still want you to remove your clear container of liquids, so make sure it’s easily accessible. Keep it in an outside pocket or right on top of your carryon bag so you can easily pull it out and put it in a security bin.
You also need to remove any electronics that are larger than a cell phone and put them in their own bin. This includes laptops, tablets, and e-readers. Make sure these are easy to reach so you can toss them in a bin quickly.
Lastly, make sure you empty your pockets. Even loose change, a stick of gum, your keys. You can’t have anything in your pockets when you go through the scanner.
Do Not Argue with TSA
It won’t do you any good to play dumb or argue with the TSA agents. It certainly won’t make your life easier, and it could cause you to miss your flight if you cause a big ruckus. It won’t help you make any friends, either, if you hold up the security line to argue. Remember, they are not just trying to make your life difficult. Their job is to keep us all safe while flying.
Choose Your Clothes Wisely
When you are flying, you want to be comfortable, but you also want to be able to get through security quickly. If you are wearing multiple layers, you will likely be asked to remove your layers before the body scan. Jackets, vests, belts, and hats will also slow you down as you remove them. The biggest time-saver in this process is your choice of shoes. Most airports still have you remove your shoes to pass through security, so this is not the day to wear your lace-up high tops or shoes with ten different buckles. Wear something that’s easy to slip on and off. Since you’ll be following in thousands of footsteps barefoot, I highly recommend wearing socks!
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Choose Your Carry-On With These Tips in Mind
With all of the documents you need, and the items that need to be scanned separately, having the right carry-on bag will make your life so much easier. If you have a giant tote with no compartments, you’ll slow things down by digging through to find everything. Something like a backpack with a laptop sleeve and several compartments will allow you to quickly sort out your items and quickly put everything back together at the other end of the scanner.
Passing through airport security is probably one of the worst parts of travel, but the rewards far outweigh the downsides. If you follow these TSA tips and give yourself plenty of time, you’ll find that it’s not really as bad as you think. Looking for more tips on family travel? Check out these other blog posts: