5 Tips for Faster Airport Security

For many travelers, navigating airport security can feel like an agonizing challenge. What ideally serves to protect us frequently leads to lengthy waits that can last for hours. It’s tempting to believe that there’s nothing that can be done, but there’s hope. Here are five practical strategies to help you breeze through airport security more efficiently. (See also: Stuck in the Airport? Discover These 14 Simple Self-Care Tips)

1. Sign Up for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is an increasingly popular program that allows travelers to avoid the conventional lines in favor of faster screening. Participants in this program can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave liquids and laptops packed, and walk through a standard metal detector rather than intrusive scanners. The result? Shorter, quicker lines.

There are two methods to enroll in PreCheck. The first involves signing up directly with the TSA, which comes with an $85 application fee. If accepted, your membership lasts for five years. The second option is to enroll in the Global Entry program. This not only expedites your passage through U.S. immigration but also includes TSA PreCheck access. Global Entry requires a $100 fee and also covers five years of membership. Many credit card companies even offer reimbursement for these fees.

Once you’re approved for either option, you’ll receive a known traveler number to enter when making airline reservations with participating carriers. Your boarding passes will then indicate your access to PreCheck lines.

2. Join Clear

Before undergoing security screening, travelers must first verify their identity and boarding passes at a TSA checkpoint. Clear is a private service that uses biometric technology, such as fingerprint and eye scans, to expedite this process. By using Clear, you can skip the document verification line and head straight to the x-ray machines. If you’re also TSA PreCheck eligible, you can continue through that line post-verification. A Clear membership costs $179 for a year, or $15 monthly.

3. Achieve Elite Status with Any Airline

Holding elite status with an airline entitles you to access shorter security lines at numerous airports. This benefit is possible because airlines cover the costs for the oversight of these lines.

I’ve utilized elite status cards from various airlines, even if I wasn’t flying with them, to access these expedited lines. Note, however, that this applies to standard security lines only—not TSA PreCheck lines—but it’s still a valuable option. (See also: Best Airlines for Securing First or Business Class Award Seats)

4. Leverage the MyTSA App to Monitor Wait Times

Many airports feature multiple TSA checkpoints and the MyTSA app can help you locate the one with the shortest wait. Additionally, it provides insights into peak travel times on specific days, allowing you to plan your airport visits more strategically.

5. Get Ready Ahead of Time

A common mistake is for travelers to wait until they’re at the security checkpoint to empty their pockets or to unpack their carry-ons right in front of the x-ray machines. You can significantly expedite your experience by preparing beforehand. I prefer to empty my pockets and organize my carry-on in the terminal before reaching security, which saves time for both myself and those waiting behind me.