Tips to Breeze through Airport Security
Airport security can take forever! Here are some tips to help make your experience a little better for you and others around you.
Make sure your luggage is the correct size and weight before you go, whether it is a carry-on, personal item, or checked bag, you will waste time at the airport if you don’t have the right size/weight.
Check-in online in advance. You can usually do this 24 hours ahead of the flight.
Have all travel documents needed to travel to your destination READY in a place you can easily access them. A small travel pouch you keep on your person is a great idea. A good travel agent will make sure you know what you need! Check that passport expiration date - some places require a passport to have an expiration date months after your anticipated travel dates.
Arrive earlier than you think you need to. That way you will avoid stress if things are taking a while.
Put items that will need screening in an easy to access location. All liquid toiletries (each under 3.4 oz and must fit in a quart sized ziplock bag) should be put in the ziplock and placed in an outer pocket or on top of your carry on or personal item. Make sure your phone, tablet, computer, and portable chargers are in an easy to access spot in your bag. Keep all medications together as well and make sure they are clearly labeled. Be prepared to present liquid medications. Change, keys, and body piercings are best kept together to put into the bin for easy screening, too.
Food items often trigger an alarm during the security check, so consider removing them during screening. If you plan to do that, put them into large plastic bags for easy removal and repacking.
Double check that you didn’t pack any prohibited items or you will slow down the line for everyone. If you have any questions about your items, check the TSA website or ask your travel agent. The TSA site is available 24 hours and TSA will also respond to you on social media from 8am to 6pm if you have any questions!
Dress comfortably. You may have to take off your shoes, so wear ones that come on and off easily.
Invest in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry (if you fly more than once a year). You pay a fee $85/$100 respectively, but you’ll save a lot of time and aggravation. If you have children under 12, they can get into the PreCheck line with you, too! You can also use the MyTSA app to check wait times and more.
Basically, the key to making it go smoothly is to prepare and know what you will need to do. A good travel advisor can prepare you for what to expect, so don't be afraid to reach out for assistance.
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