How to Navigate Airport Security

The modern age seems to have taken all the whimsy out of soaring through the sky to a distant destination. Nowadays, most people view airports and planes as a necessary evil for long distance travel. But, there are many ways to make air travel cheaper, easier, and more comfortable. By reading our air travel tips, you might just be able to put a little whimsy back in your flight.

Because screening and passenger regulations have become such an integral part of flying, security and air travel are practically synonymous. Sometimes security can be time consuming, invasive, or just an outright pain in the neck. But if you prepare properly, you have a better chance of breezing through security and getting on with your travels. Do your best to follow these tips and you should navigate airport security with ease:

Arrive early

You can avoid a lot of stress and pressure if you arrive at the airport early. Always arrive at least one hour before a domestic flight or two hours before an international flight, so you have time to check bags and pass through security. You may want to arrive even earlier if you are going to a notoriously busy airport. If you don’t allow enough time and get held up at the security checkpoint, you might miss your flight.

Dress appropriately

There is no “uniform” or dress requirement for passing through airport security. However, you can speed things along by avoiding garments and accessories that will set off the metal detector such as belt buckles, hair pins, cuff links, etc. Wearing shoes that you can slip on and off easily and keeping outerwear to a minimum can also speed you through security.

Remember the 3 rules

The TSA asks that you remember three things when you are going through security. 1. ID and boarding pass out, 2. Coats and shoes off, 3. Laptop and liquids bag out. These all highlight the main steps of the security process. Have your ID ready for TSA agents, remove your coat and shoes for screening, and make sure to get your laptop and liquids out of your carry-on luggage. For liquids, remember the 3-1-1 rule: 3 oz. containers stored in 1 clear plastic zip-bag, with 1 liquid bag permitted per passenger.

Be informed

Detailed information about airport security rules and procedures can be found at tsa.gov. If you have special needs, carry-on questions, or need official and up to date information, they are the official authority to assist you.

Do you have any tips for navigating through airport security?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.