Although cheap travel options, be they cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, or cheap vacation packages are prime reasons to travel these days, many would-be travelers cringe when thinking about having to deal with airport security.
The following are Frommer Travel tips as to how to move through security as quickly as possible:
Before packing, update your knowledge of what can and cannot be brought through airport security checkpoints by visiting the user friendly Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
Pack items you will have to remove such as laptops and your clear plastic bag containing all liquids so that they can be pulled out easily prior to screening and stowed away quickly afterwards. Dont carry-on any wrapped packages since TSA may unwrap them. If you are carrying anything that might mistakenly raise concern, place the item in a bin to be scanned.
Dress taking your flight into consideration and wear something with a zipper or buttons so that you do not have to pull anything over your head. Wear shoes that do not come with shoelaces which can easily be slipped on and off.
Expect that it will take a minimum of 20 minutes to get through airport security realizing major airport may take longer. Remember that if you choose not to go through a full body scanner that individual pat downs add time. It is not uncommon for airline gates to close 15 minutes prior to departure. You need to build in additional time for surprises/problems you had no way of anticipating in advance.
Instead of paying $5 for a bottle of water on the other side of security, bring a used, empty plastic bottle with the cap attached so long as you are not in an area where the quality of the tap water is questionable. Remember the best way to stay healthy while flying is to drink plenty of water throughout the day you will be flying.
Use the time you are waiting in line to go through security to remove your coat, pull out your laptop and all liquids, and empty pant pockets.
If you have special circumstances, such as metal implants or prosthetics, carry diabetes kits, or other liquid medicines, tell a TSA employee about your situation so that you can be directed to the appropriate person for individualized screening.
Look into signing up for a TSA pre screening program. After doing so you will be considered a low security risk traveler and be eligible for expedited airport screening. This often means that you will not have to remove your clothing, shoes or take your liquids or laptop out of your carry-on when passing through security checkpoints.
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