1) Get Thru Lines Faster: Avoid the epic lines all together by signing up for TSA PreCheck ($85 for 5 years) or Global Entry ($100 for 5 years), NEXUS ($50 for 5 years) that fast tracks you through security. I’ve gotten through security lines in five minutes that took other people two hours! Sure, there are some steps you have to take and the cost, but isn’t it worth $17 a year for five years ( TSA Pre-Check) to avoid those huge lines?
2) Get to the Airport 2 to 3 Hours Before Flight.
2) Get to the Airport 2 to 3 Hours Before Flight.
3) Research Before You Fly: A quick Google search or social media search ( #IHateTheWait) will let you now what airports are seeing the longest security lines so you can plan accordingly. It’s no surprise you’re often seeing the longest lines in the largest airports like Los Angeles International Airport, Chicago’s Midway, New York’s JFK and La Guardia, New Jersey’s Newark, and Seattle’s Sea-Tac, but smaller airports are also feeling the crunch, so don’t let the size of an airport fool you.
4) Look for Shorter Lines: Don’t just go to the first security line you see if that line is long. As a TSA agent if there’s a shorter line somewhere else.
5) Pick Your Line Carefully: When it’s your turn to go through security quickly check out who is in front of you and don’t get behind the family with a bunch of kids, or someone who is untying their shoes or looks confused like they don’t fly often. Instead pick the line where it looks like there are business travelers, people who know what they’re doing, because that line is going to move a lot faster.
6) Travel Off-Peak: If you can avoid flying on the traditionally busiest travel days ( Friday, Sunday, Monday) and try to fly on a Saturday or Tuesday, you’ll will not only usually see shorter airport security lines but find cheaper airfare, a win-win!
7) Be A Smart Packer: Know the TSA rules before you get to the airport and pack accordingly and be ready to go before you get in line. Have things like your boarding pass, ID, computer and cell phones ready to go. Make sure any allowed liquids are in a one-quart clear bag, take off jewelry, shoes, watches, belts, anything that can cause a problem before it’s your turn to go through security.
8) Carry-On Only.
9) Be Charged Up and Connected: Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can stay connected with what’s happening with your flight. This is not the time to run out of battery, creating even more stress.
10) Be Patient and Polite.
