Did you know that nearly 3 million people fly in and out of United States airports every single day?
Considering how many people fly each day, it is no wonder that security often gets backed up, with the high volume of people constantly coming in and out.
If you don’t want to miss your flight or be in a rush, it is important that you take measures to avoid getting slowed down.
Continue reading to discover some of the best airport tips for getting past security so that you don’t watch your plane go up without you.
Airport Tips for Quickly Getting Through Security
Traveling by plane comes with a lot of perks, such as a quicker time of arrival, no stress from driving, and you may even save some money. However, before benefiting from the plane ride, you must first make your way through security.
There are many reasons that security has grown and become more strict at the airports, and rider safety is the main one.
Having a thorough security team at an airport is crucial and helps keeps everyone safe, it is important to be patient and listen to any airport security members when they are directing you.
The downfall of security, however, is that there are often extremely long lines that seem to last hours (and sometimes do). Typically though, airport security checks take about 30 minutes to get through.
Following these tips can help you get through security quickly so that you don’t have to worry about missing your flight.
1. The Early Bird Gets the Worm
When it comes to flying, red-eye flights, which are early in the morning, are recommended if you want to avoid large crowds and backups when going through security.
Sometimes, these flights can even be cheaper than others and you may even have better seat options.
If you don’t mind waking up early, and you can even sleep on the flight, then this is a great option for you. Not only will you save money but you will also cut off a big chunk of time.
2. Go Online
Another way to quickly make your way past security and headed to your gate is by checking into your flight ahead of time, online.
If you are traveling with only a carry-on bag, this can eliminate a significant amount of time. Once you check-in, all you would need to do is take yourself and carry-on luggage to security and board the plane.
Many airports have standing computers when you walk into the arrival areas that you can navigate through to pick your seat and check-in to the airport.
3. Know What Needs to Be Pulled out
Most of the time when you book a flight, you are given information on what is allowed to be carried with you on the plane.
Almost all security lines will request that you pull out any and all electronics within your bag and on you. They may also request that you set any liquids or medications aside as well.
4. Take it off
Something that majorly slows down the security checkpoints, is that people have to take off their belts, shoes, and metal items that they are carrying.
It takes a few moments for each person to do this, so being prepared and taking off these articles before you have to walk through the scanner can speed things up. Wearing easy slip-on shoes is recommended so that you don’t have to worry about wasting time tying your laces.
5. Make an Upgrade
This option may be a bit more expensive, but many people that upgrade their flying status claim to get through security much quicker.
Typically, these upgrades include a separate line for their guests to go through that are much less busy. Some programs may get you pre-approved for security checks or even bypass the checkpoint in general.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
If you are looking for other airport tips to make your trip go smoother, organizing your transportation is recommended. If you take a look at this blog, you will see that getting airport transportation can take away a lot of stress.
Another great airport tip is to download an app that contains your flight information. It is not uncommon for gates or flight times to change at the last minute, so being able to check the information quickly can save you time.
Those who drove to the airport and paid for parking should take a picture of their location so that they can quickly make their way home upon arrival.
Carrying an empty water bottle is another great airport hack. Water bottles can be expensive at the stores but there are always water fountains that you can use for free.
One last tip to keep in mind when flying is to carry a portable charger with you. This will ensure that your phone has a strong battery even after a layover.
Let Your Worries Fly Away
One of the biggest concerns a person has on the days and minutes leading up to their flight is that they make it on the plane before take-off.
Being stuck in never-ending lines that are barely moving can make even the calmest person anxious when the clock is ticking and your take-off time is approaching. Instead of worrying so much, you can use these airport tips to quickly make your way to your gate.
Be sure to check out our travel tips section to find more articles, like this one, to better prepare yourself when on the road, in the sky, or even over the water!
