Tips & Tricks on Navigating Swiftly through TSA Checkpoints
Tips & tricks to navigate through TSA Checkpoints and airports at Mach speed.
Arriving at an airport for travel can be a combination of exciting, stressful, and mandatory depending on why you are scheduled to board that aircraft. There are many people trying to gather their items, check their bags, and get through that TSA Checkpoint. Whether you are traveling for business or that long-awaited vacation, here are some tips and tricks on helping you navigate swiftly through the airport. You’ll be such a relaxed pro, everyone might mistake you for a pilot!
TSA Pre Check
If you’re a frequent traveler, investing in TSA PreCheck is a must! This will save you lots of time getting through security because not only is there a separate (shorter) TSA PreCheck line, you don’t have to remove your shoes, laptop, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, and light jackets! The cost is $85 and global entry is $100 for a five-year membership. According to TSA.gov in August 2018 a whopping 94% of PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes to get through security.
Travel Gear
Efficiency and safety are key when traveling! The less you accessorize the better! Choose shoes that are durable, yet slip on, wasting time fumbling with laces or buckles at the TSA Checkpoint could leave you flustered as you grab your items. Closed toe shoes are the best bet. In an unfortunate event that you need to evacuate the aircraft, your feet are better protected from injuries. Leave all accessories like belts, bracelets, and clothing with metals in your bag. Wear something comfortable that you can sit in for hours and not have to peel off many layers at the TSA Checkpoint. For flight travel, jeans and a top will do.
Collapsible or Reusable Plastic Bottle
Save time and dodge those inflated food court prices at airports by adding a reusable plastic bottle as your travel companion. Yes, your bottle will need to be empty while getting through that TSA Checkpoint, but once you’ve passed through, there are multiple water fountains for you to fill up at. You will walk right past long lines at the food court with a smile because you already have the hydration part of travel taken care of.
Early, Electronic Check In
Most major airlines will allow passengers to check in electronically about 24 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart. Take advantage of this opportunity because you can avoid long lines all together by checking in and downloading your boarding pass directly to your smartphone. Between early check in and TSA PreCheck, you could almost arrive at the airport just 30 minutes before your flight departs (we don’t suggest that short of a window, but hey, it could work).
Just the Carry-on, Please
Packing lightly and having a carry-on bag, will save money and time. Yay! Without checking a bag you’re saving a minimum of 25 bucks, avoiding that dreaded long line to check your bag. And you don’t risk having your precious cargo put on a wrong flight. You can roll through the TSA Checkpoint swiftly and efficiently with the, 15.6” Mobile ViP 4-Wheeled Business & Overnight Roller, then place it in the overhead bin of the aircraft. You can sit back and relax on your flight knowing that all your items are with you.
MyTSA Smartphone App
Your smartphone needs the MyTSA app if you are traveling, this is one of the best government mobile apps out there! You will have the ability to request live assistance, check the wait times for TSA Checkpoint lines, see delays, weather conditions at airports, and much more! There is a large amount of information packed in this app, and you can have it all in the palm of your hand with one quick download.
Left Line
Heading to the left side is the right decision when getting in line. Notoriously, people head in the direction of their dominant hand, and since left handers make up only 10% of the world’s population, lines to the left tend to be shorter.
Checkpoint-Friendly Backpack
Having a TSA Checkpoint-friendly bag will keep you organized and get you through security a lot quicker than a regular laptop backpack. Our Targus 15.5” Mobile VIP Checkpoint-Friendly Backpack will hold all of your electronics, and since it’s checkpoint friendly, you can leave all of your tech in the bag for screening!
Now that you know some tips and tricks on navigating through the airport as quickly as the SR-71, well maybe more like a 747, go ahead and book that next adventure or business flight knowing it will be fun and less stressful.