How to Spend Less Time in Security Lines at the Airport

Choosing the Best Line

Choose the line with the fewest security agents. Before getting into a security line, scan all available lines and choose the one with fewer security agents in it. Seeing numerous agents working in a line often means that a new agent is being trained. During training, agents are likely to scrutinize baggage more closely or do detailed, drawn out searches for demonstration.

Pick a line far from the terminal. To reduce waiting time, choose a line that is far from the terminal. The more remote a line is, the more likely it is to be sparsely populated. While this will require you to walk a bit more, it will likely also mean a smaller lineup to wait in.

Check for alternate lines. If you want to reduce your waiting time in line, ask an airport official (e.g. a gate attendant or security agent) for assistance. Some large airports have security lines in different locations that lead to the same place. Ask an airport employee for directions to any alternate lines that you can go to.

Preparing Your Items Before Getting in Line

Have your identification and boarding pass in hand. To avoid delays or complications, make sure to have your boarding pass and photo I.D. in hand when you get into the security line. It is best to be absolutely sure that you have both before reaching security in the event that one is missing or stuck at the bottom of your bag. In the U.S., acceptable forms of photo identification to use at the airport include: A valid driver’s license U.S. passport Permanent resident card U.S. military I.D. Border crossing card DHS trusted traveller card (e.g. Global Entry or NEXUS)

Loosen or remove items of clothing. To save time at the front of the line, loosen your belt and shoelaces so that you can remove them quickly to put into a bin at the X ray machine. Taking time to do this at the security check will slow down the process for yourself, and for those waiting behind you. If you are wearing a jacket or sweater, remove it before you reach the front of the line.

Pack liquids carefully. If you are bringing liquids on the plane in the U.S. (e.g. cough syrup or makeup remover), make sure that they are in containers smaller than 3.4 oz. (100 ml), in keeping with the TSA's regulations. Place liquids in a resealable bag no more than a quart (1.75 ml) large. Make sure that the bag is packed near the top of your carry-on so that you can quickly remove it to put into a bin at the security check.

Avoiding Delays

Choose a low demand flight time. To avoid long wait times at the airport, schedule your flight for a low demand time, which might also save you money. Weekends are usually the busiest time for airports, so book a weekday flight if possible. Flights leaving between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. are likely to be the least populated, making for a smoother, quicker airport experience.

Don’t check your luggage. Checking your luggage at the airport will mean waiting in an extra line, as well as waiting around a carousel to retrieve your luggage after your flight. It will also cost you extra with most airlines and maybe cause problems you don’t need (e.g. the airline misplacing your luggage). Pack light and do your best to fit everything you need into your carry-on bags.

Fly premium class. If you have the money to splurge, buy premium class plane tickets for your trip. With many airlines, buying first class or business seats means moving through security checks quickly and boarding earlier than other travellers. For instance, with American Airlines, Priority Access, business class and first class passengers are granted access to expedited security check lines as part of their perks. These perks are often also available to frequent flyers.

Taking Advantage of Apps and Memberships

Apply for a TSA pre-check membership. If you are a U.S. citizen, speed up your time in airport lines by applying for a TSA pre-check membership, which allows you to go through security without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, or laptops. Apply online at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck, then make an appointment for an in-person background check at one of the hundreds of enrollment centers in the country. The 5 year membership costs $85 and is honored at over 180 U.S. airports.

Apply for Global Entry. If you are a frequent international traveller, apply for Global Entry, a program for low risk travellers who wish to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoints at a faster pace upon arrival in the country. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border protection website at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-centers to find an enrollment center near you. A non-refundable $100 application fee applies, payable by credit card or through an electronic bank transfer.

Use an online or mobile check-in app. Visit your airline’s website to see if they have an app available that allows you to check in from home and sidestep the lineup. For instance, the United Airlines app (available for Apple, Android, and Windows Phone 8) allows travellers to check in up to 24 hours in advance of their flight. Some airlines (e.g. EasyJet) will allow you to check in up to 28 days in advance of your travel date.