How To Go Through Airport Security Quickly
Navigating through airport security can be stressful, even for frequent business travellers. Whether you are packing for a domestic or international flight, there are lots of rules to follow — and if you don’t follow them, you’ll risk being delayed at airport security or even missing your flight.
Unless you take the time to pack efficiently and know exactly what to do to proceed through security without delays, queuing for airport security can be slow, tedious and inconvenient.
If you’re wondering how to go through airport security quickly, we have a lot of tips to help you speed through airport security without delays. Follow our tips to make your dreaded airport security screening process simple and fast.
Airport Security Tip-1: Have Your Documents and ID Ready
Do you have your passport and boarding pass ready? If not, you might be slowing down the queue.
Before you arrive at the airport, we recommend stowing these important documents in an easily-accessible place for ease of retrieval. For example, you might keep them in a travel pouch around your neck, your wallet or the front pocket of your carry-on luggage.
Once you officially enter the airport security queue, pull your documents out and keep them on hand. This way, you’ll avoid fumbling with your bags and slowing down the queue.
As you proceed through the screening process, you’ll need to place your passport and boarding pass in a plastic tray with your other belongings.
Airport Security Tip-2: Pack Your Hand Luggage Carefully
Keeping your carry-on luggage well-organised is crucial for proceeding through airport security as quickly as possible. To avoid a lengthy hold-up, be sure to plan ahead well in advance.
There are lots of potential innocent mistakes here, so here’s what to do to avoid packing prohibited items in your carry-on.
Liquids, aerosols and gels
Before you leave for the airport, sort through all of the liquids, aerosols and gels that you plan to take with you to your destination. Separate them into piles of 100 millilitres or less, and more than 100 millilitres.
Once you have your two piles, decide which items in the 100 millilitre or less pile you need to take with you on the flight in your carry-on luggage.
If you have any liquids, aerosols and gels under 100 millilitres, you must seal them inside a clear plastic bag.
All items above 100 millilitres in volume must be stowed inside your checked baggage prior to entering the security queue.
Not sure what counts as liquids, aerosols or gel? This category can include anything from liquid food products and drinks to cosmetic items such as shampoos, creams, perfumes, toothpaste, deodorants, lipsticks, or any item in a pressurised container.
Sharp or dangerous objects
International and domestic security law is strict about safety on board an aircraft. This is why it is best to avoid packing anything sharp or potentially dangerous in your carry-on luggage.
Although you may consider them harmless, items such as scissors, nail cutters, matches, tools, kitchen utensils or knives are considered potentially dangerous. In fact, any object with a sharp edge or point that is capable of injuring someone is forbidden in carry-on luggage.
When packing for your trip, examine your belongings carefully. Are there any items you intend to bring that might be considered potentially dangerous? If so, either pack it in your checked luggage or reconsider the need to pack it at all.
Electronics
Electronic items such as laptops, iPads, tablets and mobile phones must be vetted by airport security professionals before they are allowed to be taken on the airplane.
For this reason, you will be asked to take these items out of your carry-on luggage and place them in individual plastic trays for X-ray scanning. To make this process as easy and quick as possible, we recommend keeping your electronics in a separate bag or at the top of your carry-on bag.
Airport Security Tip-3: Dress Carefully
Planning what you intend to wear on your flight ahead of time can save you time when it comes to airport security.
At the security checkpoint, you will be asked to remove the following:
- Shoes
- Belt
- Jewellery
- Watch
- Jacket, coat or scarf
- Body piercings
- Anything metal, such as change and keys in your pocket
To move through airport security swiftly, wear clothing with easily removable layers. Opt for easily removable shoes without laces, ideally with socks. Avoid wearing a belt or jewellery if possible.
Airport Security Tip-4: Remember That Duty-Free Items Must Still Meet Security Requirements
One of the unique benefits of visiting an airport is that you can purchase items at a duty-free outlet. However, if you intend to pass through airport security again (for example, to take a connecting flight), any items you purchase must meet stringent security requirements.
For example, if you purchase a bottle of liquid larger than 100 millilitres, this will need to be placed in a checked bag, unless you need it for medical reasons.
Airport Security Tip-5: Pack All Medications Separately For Swift Inspection
If you carry medications, it’s best practice to keep them separate from everything else. Place them inside a clear plastic bag to make it easy to show security staff at the security checkpoint.
If you have any other useful tips for how to go through airport security quickly, please let us know in the comments below.
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