It's a certainty that no U.S. air traveler wakes up on the day he's flying and loudly proclaims, "I just can't wait to go through airport security!" In many cases, though, the fear of going through a Transportation Security Agency checkpoint is far out of proportion to reality. Plus, you can significantly improve your chances of racing through one of the agency's checkpoints with little scrutiny by taking several simple steps.
If you really want to eliminate security scrutiny before your flight, then you need to sign up for TSA's Precheck program. The agency's "preapproved traveler" status is good for five years, costs only $85 and saves travelers both time and stress. According to travel experts, enrolling in Precheck is also the single best step you can take to get through the agency's checkpoints quickly. Nothing else comes close.
When traveling with carry-on luggage, make sure you've freed it of any clutter and organized its contents. Never put anything in your carry-on bag that's not necessary, either. Carry a spare change of clothing, your medications and any other "safety items" you'd need. All other items should go in your checked luggage, and if you don't check a bag make sure your carry-on's contents are laid out so that everything is visible to the TSA x-ray officer, especially electronics.
Another step you can take to speed up your TSA experience is by divesting as you go through the line. "Divesting" is simply removing anything on you that could make you stand out to security officers. These include items like metal belt buckles and shoe soles containing steel shanks or reinforcement. If possible, put all your metallic objects in an extra exterior pocket of your rollaboard bag so that screeners can easily pick them out.
Before you enter security, use common sense. Scanning devices like magnetometers detect metal. Find a comfortable pair of "traveling shoes," such as slip-on loafers, and wear those. The same goes for your belt and other clothing. Also, don't wear all your jewelry, much of which will trigger additional scrutiny as scanners pick them up. The simple rule for travel on U.S. airlines? Don't dress like you're going to the newest, hottest club. Dress for comfort.
Another way of speeding your way through TSA security is to remove everything in the reverse order you'll put it all back on. Also, try to place your briefcase or backpack on your carry-on's handle so that it can all be seen by the x-ray operator in one swoop. Do other travelers going through the line a favor, as well, and "pay it forward" by re-stacking any tubs and trays you used. If TSA officers, whose primary job is to address security issues presented by travelers, constantly must take time to re-stack trays, the security line will slow down quite a bit.
Always follow the TSA's "3-1-1" rule. More time is wasted at a checkpoint because travelers bring shampoo, aerosols and other potions in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces. Some travelers also don't place all those bottles into a single 1-quart-sized bag, which is all they're allowed. Eliminating any oversize liquids and aerosols from your carry-on bag while you're in a security line takes time and backs that line up. Plus, you may see additional TSA scrutiny as a result.
Lastly, remember that uniformed Transportation Security Agency officers rank among the lowest-paid employees in the government. Those officers frequently interact with 1,000 travelers a shift, and they're honestly the unsung heroes of air security. Generally, better treatment of TSA's frontline employees by air travelers also often results in better treatment back from them.
If you really want to eliminate security scrutiny before your flight, then you need to sign up for TSA's Precheck program. The agency's "preapproved traveler" status is good for five years, costs only $85 and saves travelers both time and stress. According to travel experts, enrolling in Precheck is also the single best step you can take to get through the agency's checkpoints quickly. Nothing else comes close.
When traveling with carry-on luggage, make sure you've freed it of any clutter and organized its contents. Never put anything in your carry-on bag that's not necessary, either. Carry a spare change of clothing, your medications and any other "safety items" you'd need. All other items should go in your checked luggage, and if you don't check a bag make sure your carry-on's contents are laid out so that everything is visible to the TSA x-ray officer, especially electronics.
Another step you can take to speed up your TSA experience is by divesting as you go through the line. "Divesting" is simply removing anything on you that could make you stand out to security officers. These include items like metal belt buckles and shoe soles containing steel shanks or reinforcement. If possible, put all your metallic objects in an extra exterior pocket of your rollaboard bag so that screeners can easily pick them out.
Before you enter security, use common sense. Scanning devices like magnetometers detect metal. Find a comfortable pair of "traveling shoes," such as slip-on loafers, and wear those. The same goes for your belt and other clothing. Also, don't wear all your jewelry, much of which will trigger additional scrutiny as scanners pick them up. The simple rule for travel on U.S. airlines? Don't dress like you're going to the newest, hottest club. Dress for comfort.
Another way of speeding your way through TSA security is to remove everything in the reverse order you'll put it all back on. Also, try to place your briefcase or backpack on your carry-on's handle so that it can all be seen by the x-ray operator in one swoop. Do other travelers going through the line a favor, as well, and "pay it forward" by re-stacking any tubs and trays you used. If TSA officers, whose primary job is to address security issues presented by travelers, constantly must take time to re-stack trays, the security line will slow down quite a bit.
Always follow the TSA's "3-1-1" rule. More time is wasted at a checkpoint because travelers bring shampoo, aerosols and other potions in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces. Some travelers also don't place all those bottles into a single 1-quart-sized bag, which is all they're allowed. Eliminating any oversize liquids and aerosols from your carry-on bag while you're in a security line takes time and backs that line up. Plus, you may see additional TSA scrutiny as a result.
Lastly, remember that uniformed Transportation Security Agency officers rank among the lowest-paid employees in the government. Those officers frequently interact with 1,000 travelers a shift, and they're honestly the unsung heroes of air security. Generally, better treatment of TSA's frontline employees by air travelers also often results in better treatment back from them.
About the Author:
Anxious about going through TSA security checkpoint? You don't need to be if you follow Kelly Hoggan's insights into the airlines and TSA as well as the transportation security world in general.
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