A Quick Guide to Getting Airport Security As Fast As Possible
Airport security lines have been looking especially awful lately , for several reasons: more people are flying, new screening procedures and the TSA is seriously understaffed. Longer-than-usual airport waiting times will be tricky to avoid this summer, but a little planning will help you at least navigate safely as quickly as possible.
Sign up for a service like PreCheck
Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can help you get past the queue faster (although they are reported to slow down too). You must pay a fee and personally verify your identity before traveling, but it might be worth it. PreCheck costs $ 85 for five years and you just get a shorter TSA line.
Global Entry costs $ 100 for five years and members can check in at the airport kiosk.
CLEAR is a third party company offering a similar service. It works the same way: you apply online, pay a fee, and then personally verify your identity at one of their offices. Once approved, they briefly explain how it works:
At participating airports, look for CLEARlane at TSA Checkpoints. A PURE team member will meet you at our lane. Just scan your boarding pass, tap your finger and we’ll escort you straight to security. Easy and fast!
If you are eligible for PreCheck, please visit CLEARlane and verify your identity. We will inquire about your eligibility for PreCheck and an ambassador who will assist you will escort you to the PreCheck fast track.
They are currently only available at 13 airports , and this does not include many of the larger busy hubs. The fee is $ 179 per year, but you can add family members for $ 50.
Choose the right time for your flight
Airports are generally crowded this year, but some days and times are worse than others. If you can help, avoid rush hour flights.
According to MarketWatch and WhatsBusy.com , a website that monitors airport security wait times, security lines are busiest on Fridays from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm (local time). They say the waiting time is doubled by this time. Fridays in June, July and August are especially busy .
Of course, you want not to miss out on summer vacations and three-day weekends. Spring Break travel usually runs from February to April, but USA Today reports that March is usually the worst. This should probably be taken for granted, but travel peaks around Labor Day, Memorial Day, and July 4th. If you are planning to fly any of these holidays, you will at least want to try to book your room outside the window between 4 pm and 8 pm if the MarketWatch data provides any guidance.
If you have the flexibility, also select the nearest smaller airport. In Los Angeles, some people fly out of Burbank simply because there are fewer people and security lines are usually unobstructed. In New York, you can choose Newark instead of La Guardia. In Houston, you can choose Hobby over IAH. The journey to and from your destination can be longer, but if safety lines are a nightmare, it could be worth the extra miles.
Thrillist has also ranked the airlines with the longest waiting times , so if you’re flying from any of them, look for alternatives (or at least be prepared to wait). Here are the top five airports with the longest expectations on their list:
- Los Angeles (International) Average Time: 40 minutes Longest: 141 minutes
- LaGuardia Average: 35 minutes Longest: 142 minutes
- Chicago – O’Hare Average Time: 25 minutes Longest: 119 minutes
- Miami (International) Average: 24 minutes, longest: 216 minutes
- John F. Kennedy International Ranking: 21 minutes, Longest: 232 minutes
Check out the full Thrillist page for even more airports.
Check waiting times before booking and again before leaving
Of course, small airports are not immune to long waiting times. Therefore, if you are planning to fly in smaller equipment, keep an eye on TSA waiting times and estimate for yourself how the queues look at different airports. TSA has its own security timeout checker website (also available as an Android and iOS app ), it will notify you of any delays and let you know the latest security checkpoint timeout using the terminal. Users can also specify timeouts to keep the app up to date.
It’s a good idea to check the app before booking your trip. This way, you get a more personalized view of when the airports are at their busiest. Even if your flights are already booked, it helps you keep track of waiting times so you at least know what to expect. You can prepare for your airport departure earlier.
Print your boarding pass in advance
Once your flight is booked and you’re ready to meet the airport, it’s time to get ready for the madness. First, make sure you check in and that your boarding pass is printed or saved on your phone. I usually save my boarding pass as a screenshot in case I can’t access it when I’m in line. You don’t want to dig into email or passport apps for a digital pass. You want to be ready.
If you have a paper boarding pass, make sure it is easily accessible (along with your driver’s license or passport) and is not tucked into the bottom of your purse or backpack. Make sure your flight arrives on time and check the boarding gate before departure so you too are ready to navigate the airport . You can use a tool like TripIt to organize all your itinerary information and keep up with the latest news .
Collect (and dress) strategically
When you find yourself in line for security, a few wardrobe tips will help you get through it efficiently and avoid the looks of impatient and seasoned travelers. Here’s a visual guide (and here’s a checklist ) to guide you through the process, but it boils down to this:
- Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off.
- Do not wear jewelry or watches that have to be removed in line. If you want to put them on, pack them in your carry-on luggage and put them on after you go through security.
- Use your laptop in TSA approved carry-on luggage, or use a laptop sleeve with a detachable strap so you can easily carry it around, throw it onto a conveyor belt and then tuck it into your backpack.
You can also stash your valuables (keys, ID, boarding pass) in your jacket and then simply remove your jacket before going through the body scanner. Then just grab your jacket and put it back on.
TripIt brings up another important point regarding safety clothing:
Please be aware that belts, buttons and zippers, as well as hip replacements and underwire bras can cause your machines to malfunction. Certain jewelry, watches, and even sturdy travel pants require attention, so don’t wear those flashy heavy metal items. For men, special fabric belts with plastic buckles will be an excellent alternative.
When packing my carry-on luggage, I also pack my liquid bag last. This way I can easily delete them while I wait in the queue. I don’t have to waste time digging in my bag to get them out.
Flying is a pretty incredible experience, but it can also be incredibly frustrating. TSA has already warned us about the waiting time until the end of the year, so disappointment cannot be completely avoided. However, you can plan for this madness. Then just hope for the best.
Illustration by Sam Woolley