As you know, I travel A LOT and as a result, I do everything in my power to minimize the amount of time I spend at the airport. In fact, I seldom have to spend more than 5 to 10 minutes at the gate before boarding commences. This is because, through the years, I have gotten my airport processing strategy down to a science. Today, I want to share with you exactly how I do it. In this blog post, I share my tips to reduce airport security processing time without TSA Pre✔️ or Global Entry.
RESOURCES MENTION IN THIS ARTICLE
CHECK IN ONLINE TO REDUCE AIRPORT SECURITY PROCESSING TIME
If the option is available, I always check in online. It doesn’t matter if I’m checking bags, the thought of having to stand on a line to get boarding passes issued is not appealing to me. Plus it is not just a time saver, it is also a stress reducer because I have been known to play too much when it comes to my airport arrival time 🤷🏾♀️.
BONUS TIP: You should make sure you save your boarding pass to your card wallet if you don’t print it out if your phone and airline support this technology. This way your boarding pass can be accessible with one swipe from your locked screen.
PACK WITH AIRPORT SECURITY PROCESSING IN MIND
If you read my blog post (read it here) on how I avoid overpacking, you know that I usually travel with only carry-on luggage if my vacation is 10 days or less. But even if I’m checking luggage, I will have a carry-on because things happen (I.e., luggage gets lost for three days, the replacement toiletries you need to buy are in languages you don’t read so you don’t know if that is a tube of toothpaste or something else, etc).
Now, things get slightly more complicated when it comes to clearing security with luggage so it is important to strategically pack your luggage. Large electronic devices, liquids (including liquid meds) and anything pointy (or that remotely looks sharp – keys, manicure tools, etc) should be in places where they are easily accessible and don’t require you to remove the entire contents of your bag in order to access them.
I have gotten my item removable time down to 30 seconds. I implore you to do the same.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
I cannot stress how much wearing the wrong outfit can dramatically increase processing time.
Belts, shoelaces and many layers of clothing are enemies of speedy processing. Do yourself (and your travel companions) a favor and wear an outfit that does not require deconstruction (or reconstruction for that matter).
Also, socks are important because you and I are not sure the last time those floors were cleaned 🤣. Unless you are a kid or an elder, you would likely need to take your shoes off if you don’t have pre-clearance so do your feet a favor and wear socks.
BE PREPARED TO PRESENT YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Ok so now that you have arrived at the airport and are heading to the security line. Please, please, please have your boarding pass and your ID out and ready for scanning/review at both the entry to the security line and right before scanning your carry-on luggage. The time that you spend fumbling to get your documents together is precious time wasted and occasionally will lead to security personnel allowing other prepared passengers to go ahead while you are getting your act together.
E-Visas: But what about when you are landing and need to clear immigration and customs? Getting your e-visas (if available ) in advance of landing online (if possible) can save you a headache. Many countries offer them and will provide them to you in advance of travel by filling out a simple application online.
Mobile Passport: If you are filing back home to the US, can you also use the Mobile Passport App. Mobile Passport is a godsend. It doesn’t require the extensive screening process that Global Entry or TSA Pre✔️ does but offers many of the same benefits (such as expedited processing through immigration).
REMOVE SECURITY TRIGGERS FOR INSPECTION
The vast majority of the time you will be asked to remove large electronic devices, liquids (including liquid meds) and anything pointy (or that remotely looks sharp – keys, manicure tools, etc). Do yourself a favor and remove these items and put them in bins to reduce the likelihood that your luggage gets selected for additional inspection.
Now, to be honest, if there is one thing that I’m probably a little more reckless with is the removal of my toiletries. I have this fabulous toiletry bag (you can read all about it in my blog post here) and most times I can’t be bothered removing it. 95% of the time I have zero problems taking this approach but I always carry a separate TSA compliant quartz sized baggie just in case a security officer wants to give me a hard time.
If you are going to try my approach, remember you are still being scanned and liquid confiscation is ruthless. As such, I try to keep all containers (other than prescription medication and baby formula and food) down to 3.4 ounces or less to avoid any drama.
BONUS TIP: FLY FIRST CLASS OR FLY BUSINESS CLASS TO REDUCE AIRPORT SECURITY PROCESSING TIME
If you are flying premium economy, business class or first class or have a particular airline rewards elite status, there is typically a separate shorter and faster line for you. This perk alone saves oodles of time. Remember that this perk is not always available for premium flights so I would look at it more like a nice gift rather than a strategy.
That’s it! If you time it right, you will speed through security with ease using these tips. What about you? What are your favorite ways to save security processing time? Let me know in the comments.
