WATCH: Brittany's Travel Hacks — 4 Tips for Breezing Through Airport Security

Yahoo Travel
Updated

Going through the security check at the airport has to be the most annoying part of flying.

Am I right?

The lines, the bare feet, the slow-moving people in front of you — there are so many things that can prolong this process. You don’t want to be the one responsible for holding up the line, so here are a few tips for breezing though security.

1. TSA Precheck

If you’ve flown recently, you’ve seen signs and faster moving lines for the TSA Precheck. It’s faster because you don’t have to remove your belt, shoes, jacket, or toiletries. But it’s a process to get approved. Here’s the breakdown:

First, you can fill out the application on the TSA’s website. There are a couple of rules:

1. You have to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

2. Your criminal record has to be pretty clean.

3. There is a nonrefundable $85 application fee.

Next, you have to go to an application center in person and get fingerprints done. These centers are usually located in airports.

After that, you have to wait two to three weeks to hear if you’re approved. If approved, you get a Known Traveler Number (KTN), and you use that number whenever you book a flight. Your TSA Precheck designation will appear on your boarding pass.

With all of that, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be selected to go through the Precheck line the next time you fly. However, it does strengthen your chances.

2. TSA App

Speaking of the TSA, it has a really helpful free app. In addition to detailing what you can and cannot pack, it also shows the latest security checkpoint wait times at your nearest airport. Other passengers post the wait times, so it’s not a perfect science, and the information isn’t always current. However, it can give you an idea of what to expect if you’re traveling at a certain time of day so that you can better plan your arrival.

Related: WATCH: Brittany’s Travel Hacks: How to Never Check a Bag Again

3. Consider the Security Line While Packing

Be sure to take the security line into account while packing. We all know that we have to remove our belts, jewelry, and jackets in the security line, so why even put those things on? Instead, just pack them in an easily accessible part of your carry-on. This way you don’t have to worry about taking them on and off in the security line, and if you really want, you can put them on while you’re waiting to board.

4. Try a Laptop Sleeve

I’ve seen a lot of people fumble around with their laptops in the security line. They’re usually wrestling with an oversized, clunky laptop bag or digging in their carry-on looking for their device. I opt to use a slender, yet protective laptop sleeve. These are great, because you can put them in whatever bag you have, and you don’t have to remove the laptop from the sleeve when you put it in the security tray. It’s a simple, yet time-saving tip.

Some Simple Reminders

  • —Always choose the line without kids in it.

  • —Don’t wear shoes that need to be tied. It’s only going to hold you up and stress you out. Instead, choose shoes that have zippers or that you can easily slip on and off.

  • —Pay attention to TSA agents. Some are more strict than others. Choose the line with the agent who looks happy and is waving people through. You want that guy (or gal)!

  • —Take your earbuds out, put your phone inside of a bag, and have your toiletries in your hand as you approach the tray. Be prepared. Don’t wait until you get to the front of the line to get organized.

Check out more tips from Brittany

Brittany’s Travel Hacks —5 Insider Tips That Will Change the Way You Travel Forever

Brittany’s Travel Hacks —How to Save in a Big Way on Your Next Rental Car

Brittany’s Travel Hacks —6 Unusual Household Items You Need to Use While Packing

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