The most annoying part of your trip can be waiting in a long line to go through the security checkpoint at the airport. And getting pulled over and patted down. Luckily you don’t have to. Here are some expert tips you can use to get through the airport security lanes faster and with minimal stress.
Pack smartly and dress appropriately for the security checkpoint.
You’ll move through airport security faster if you make it easy for security staff to do their job of keeping dangerous items, such as explosives and firearms, out of airports. Don’t overpack your hand luggage in case it needs to be opened, inspected, and then repacked. Make sure your electronics and toiletry bag are easily accessible, should you need to take them out. And wear outer clothing layers and shoes that can be easily removed.
Fast Track schemes can get you through airport security faster.
A somewhat under the radar option is the free, security checkpoint reservation service offered at 20 airports in North America and Europe, including Seattle, Denver, New York (JFK), Orlando, London (Heathrow), Amsterdam, Berlin, and Rome. A great time-saving option for those without paid memberships, the programme lets you book a reserved time to go through a dedicated checkpoint.
Get there on time. Or earlier.
It may seem a bit counter-intuitive, but to get through airport security faster, you may need to get to the airport earlier than you originally planned. With more people travelling overall, especially during holidays, festivals, and special events, even Fast Track lanes can end up snaking out through terminal lobbies. Check your airport’s website or social media channels for peak travel alerts and consider making your way through security at an off-peak time.
Use your wait time at the security checkpoint wisely.
You can use some of the time you wait in a long security line to check your email and commiserate with fellow passengers. But your time will be better spent making sure your boarding pass and ID are ready and that you and your belongings are prepared to go through the checkpoint. Have your toiletries bag at the top of your hand luggage, remove your coat, and empty your pockets so you don’t end up having to go through the scanner more than once.
Bin there, done that? Not so fast.
Lots of people empty their pockets into a bin or basket at the security checkpoint, sending wallets, cell phones, jewellery, lucky charms, and other small items through the X-ray machine in plain view.
Don’t do that. Valuables can easily be picked up, intentionally or not, by the wrong person at the other end of the conveyor belt (especially if the scanner line gets backed up) and you may forget to pick up an important item.
Review airport security’s dos and don’ts.
Even the most experienced traveller could benefit from checking the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)’s airport security guidance. Firearms and explosives, even toy versions, are prohibited, but what about souvenir golf clubs, musical instruments, work tools, or baby milk? The GOV.UK’s “Hand Luggage Restrictions” section has most answers.
Be nice. And definitely no bomb jokes.
Being an airport security officer isn’t a barrel of laughs. There’s the full-time job of looking for firearms, explosives, and other prohibited items. And the daily grind of dealing with travellers who are often stressed out and rude. A kind word, a smile, and a quick chat with the security staff can go a long way in making their day and moving things along should a bag need to be opened or a pat-down be required.
Use alternate security lanes.
In some airports you must go through the security checkpoint dedicated to the concourse from which your flight departs. But in many others, you can access all terminals, concourses, and gates once you get through any checkpoint. So, in the same way that the security briefing on the plane reminds you that the closest exit may be behind you, keep in mind that when you encounter a long security line at the airport, the fastest way into the terminal might be via a different checkpoint.
Use your airport’s website or app to locate all the checkpoints, the hours each checkpoint is open, and which ones welcome Fast Track and other priority schemes or, in some cases, premium flyers.
Check the waiting times at different checkpoints.
Before you trek off to a different checkpoint or ask to be dropped off at a certain spot outside the airport in hopes of finding a shorter line, check the security line waiting times on individual airport websites.
How this guide was created
I’m a veteran travel journalist and one of those odd people who really loves spending time in airports, which I consider a modern-day crossroads where so much of the drama, drudge, hope, and excitement of the journey is on display. This guide draws on knowledge and skills accrued over many years of studying airport operations, based on experience from many checkpoint bag checks and pat downs, and several eye-opening, official security staff training sessions.
