Getting through airport security is a manor hassle these days. While the security systems were tightened significantly after 9/11, COVID-19 has now added new rules to the list of regulations to be followed at an airport. Whether you are boarding a flight after several years or are a frequent flyer, getting stuck in line at the airport security is the last thing you want. Whether it’s the buckle of your belt, metallic studs on your shoes, or loose change in your bag, the machine beeping as you pass through the metal detector can not only delay you for your flight but also be the cause for additional anxiety.
While getting bottlenecked in a security line is annoying, there are several ways to ensure you get through security faster at an airport. If you want to know how to save time at an airport while going through the security line, we will tell you some simple tips you can practice to fly through customs, security, and baggage claim at the airport. So let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Prepare before you reach the airport: To save time and avoid delays at airport security, make sure to check the list of items not allowed on flights and remove them from your carry-on. This will prevent you from having to go through an additional screening or having items confiscated.
- Keep important documents accessible: Make sure to keep your ID, passport, boarding pass, and vaccination certificates in an easily accessible pouch. This will save you time and prevent you from holding up the line while searching for your documents.
- Wear slip-on shoes: If you’re flying from an airport that requires you to remove your shoes at security, wear slip-on shoes that are easy to take off and put back on. This will save you time and make the process less stressful.
Prepare Before You Reach The Airport
The first thing to do is to prepare before you reach the airport. Before your flight, print out a list of items not allowed on flights and check off the items that you have in your carry-on. Make sure you are not carrying items your flight does not permit. For instance, many airlines do not allow sharp objects such as pen knives and screwdrivers, liquids more than 3oz, and flammable aerosol containers such as deodorants. While these may seem harmless enough, airport security officers may not allow you to pass through if you have them in your carry-on.
Keep Your Documents Safe & Accessible
Everyone knows they should have their ID on them. But something about the hustle and bustle of the airport and the panic-induced packing and unpacking can make you misplace the important documents. You must have often seen people in line emptying their pockets and bags, trying to find their passports. This will also waste a lot of your time and the time of passengers stuck in line behind you. The easy way to not make this mistake is to have a small accessible pouch for your ID, passport, boarding pass, vaccination certificates, and other important documents. So when they ask for your identification, there is no need to rifle through all the pockets and bags to find it!
Shoes
After Richard Reid tried to detonate a bomb on a flight, airport security systems have added a new clause to passing through security: you need to remove your shoes. While this may not be implemented everywhere, several airports worldwide practice this. If the airport you are flying from has this rule, you don’t want to spend a chunk of your time unlacing your boots or undoing complicated buckles and straps. Wear a pair of slip-ons that are easy to wear and take off. In the interest of hygiene and safety, make sure to wear socks, as you can hurt yourself being barefoot after removing your shoes.
Conclusion
Airports have tightened their security significantly since 9/11. Many of the measures added can be a hassle for a first-time traveller and waste a lot of time if you have items in your carry-on that are not allowed. Often gift-wrapped packages are also opened by members of the airport security if they want to check what’s inside. An easy way to tackle this is shipping your luggage beforehand, especially if you are travelling during the holiday season. If your luggage is over the weight limit, paying for it at the airport can be expensive and time-consuming. By following some simple tips, you can ensure easy navigation through airport customs and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What should I do to get through airport security faster?
To get through airport security faster, prepare before you reach the airport by checking the list of items not allowed on flights, keeping your important documents accessible, and wearing slip-on shoes.
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How can I ensure I don’t have items not allowed in my carry-on?
To ensure you don’t have items not allowed in your carry-on, check the list of things not allowed on flights before you pack. Remove any items on the list from your bag.
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What are some common items not allowed in a carry-on?
Some common items not allowed in a carry-on include sharp objects such as pen knives and screwdrivers, liquids over 3oz, and flammable aerosol containers such as deodorants.
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What should I do with my important documents during airport security?
To ensure your important documents are accessible during airport security, keep them in a small accessible pouch that you can easily access. This will save you time and prevent you from holding up the line.
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Why must I wear slip-on shoes to get through airport security faster?
Some airports require you to remove your shoes at security. Wearing slip-on shoes that are easy to take off and put back on will save you time and make the process less stressful.
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Is shipping luggage beforehand a good idea to get through airport security faster?
Shipping your luggage beforehand can save you time and hassle during airport security, especially if you have items not allowed in your carry-on or if your luggage is over the weight limit. However, this may not be a feasible option for everyone.
