Without a doubt, one of the most tedious parts of traveling is dealing with the airport and security, in particular. You just never know how long the line will be, which is nerve-racking and can make it difficult to plan your time. Here are 10 airport security hacks to help make your airport experience smoother.
1. Get TSA PreCheck
If you’ve ever waited in a long security line and noticed another lane where passengers breeze through without having to remove shoes, laptops, or toiletry bags, you’ve likely spotted TSA PreCheck. This is the U.S. government’s Trusted Traveler program, which began in 2013 and costs $78 for five years. Generally, you must apply for TSA PreCheck, but in some cases, it’s offered for free to low-risk travelers like senior citizens (age 75+) and certain elite frequent flyers. However, instead of just applying for TSA PreCheck, consider applying for Global Entry, which costs only $22 more and not only grants you TSA PreCheck but also allows for expedited entry when returning to the U.S. from international travel. TIP: Here’s how to get TSA PreCheck & Global Entry access for free.
2. Sign up to CLEAR
What’s even better than TSA PreCheck is having a CLEAR membership. CLEAR is a private biometrics company partnered with the U.S. government that uses scans of your eyes, face, and fingerprints to provide touchless identification, allowing you to bypass the long, slow lines at over 55 U.S. airports. CLEAR also extends to select sports and entertainment stadiums/arenas and other venues (check the specific list, as not all terminals at airports or venues may support it). Simply scan your irises and your ticket to quickly clear the ID check and get through security faster.
3. Download the TSA app
One resource that even frequent travelers don’t realize is available right at their fingertips is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They have a handy free app for both Android and iOS that allows travelers to check how busy the airport is likely to be on your specific day and time of travel, based on historical data. They also provide other important information like how to prepare for and get through the security checkpoint quickly as well as delay information and current weather conditions at your favorite airports nationwide. There’s more too.
4. Ask the TSA on X (Twitter) and Facebook Messenger
Not sure what you can bring through security like that apple pie for Grandma’s Thanksgiving dinner? Believe it or not, the TSA is very active on X/Twitter and Facebook Messenger. Using their handle @AskTSA, they respond extremely quickly during work hours (8am to 8pm EST on weekdays and 9am to 7pm EST on weekends). For example, the last question asked at the time of this publication was from a woman named Agnes who tweeted: “@AskTSA my #tsaprecheck is not showing up on my boarding pass. I called @united and verified all my information was correct. I called @TSA directly (had the matter escalated) and it was confirmed that all my information is correct. It’s just finger pointing now. Please help!” Four minutes later, the TSA responded with: “We’d be happy to help, Agnes. Pls click on the link to send us your full name, KTN, airline, confirmation number, flight number, date of travel and departure airport.” Amazing customer service, right?
5. How to bring bottled water through security
No one wants to spend $6 on a bottle of water or drink the nasty tasting water from the dirty airport fountain. I often see people trying to sneak bottles of water through security all the time but they’re easy to spot on the X-ray machine so you’re not going to get away with it. But there is one hack that lets you bring full bottles of water through the security checkpoint. They have to be fully frozen. Here’s more on the subject. You might also want to travel with a collapsible water bottle like this one that’s easy to pack and can be filled up on the other side of security.
6. Pack smart
Even if you have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, you still need to pack smart so you don’t hold up the line. I put all of my loose belongings in my carry-on bag, including my belt, even though I don’t have to take it off because I know that more often than not, it sets the metal detectors off and it’s a pain to go back. When I’m traveling internationally, especially through London’s Heathrow, I make sure all of my electronics and liquids (even a little tube of lip balm) are placed in a bin so they don’t take what seems like hours to go through your bag. People miss flights because they’re so meticulous and slow. I highly recommend traveling with a tech organizer like this one to keep all your tech chargers, cables and cords organized.
7. Secret third carry-on
Full disclosure: Scottevest used to be one of my sponsors and they still pay me a small referral fee but I recommend their products because I truly believe in them. My favorite thing about Scottevest is that a jacket or vest acts like a third carry-on, which is key when you have too much stuff or if your airline weighs your carry-on bags and you’re over the limit by a few pounds. Most Scottevest jackets have 20+ pockets so you can put everything from your laptop to your phone inside. See this promotional video I made for them to give you an idea of what you can carry. I also love it because you can secure your money and passport so it acts like a money belt when traveling in dicey areas. Scottevest.com or buy from Amazon.com.
8. Store your ID on your Apple device
If you live in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, or Utah and have an Apple phone or watch, you’ll be happy to know that the TSA, in collaboration with Apple and participating states, has deployed a new technology allowing airline passengers to use their state-issued mobile driver’s license or mobile identification card in Apple Wallet on iPhone or Apple Watch for airport security screening. This means you can add a digital version of your license or ID to your Apple device for TSA identity verification, making it easier to present when passing through security—no more fumbling for your physical card or worrying about losing it. Even better news: This feature will soon be available in more states, including Connecticut, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. Here’s how to do it. Here’s how to do it.
9. Don’t panic if you lose your ID
If you lose your wallet or it gets stolen and you have a flight to catch, don’t worry. There are still ways the TSA and airlines can verify who you are. According to the TSA’s website: “In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or left at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing personal information such as your name, address, and other details to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but will be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.”
Now, if you’re flying internationally and lose your passport – that’s a much bigger issue! Also, if you don’t have a REAL ID yet, you should take action soon, as the TSA will begin enforcing this requirement, and you won’t be able to fly domestically without one after the deadline in May 2025.
10. Choose the right line
If there are multiple security lines, I always scope out the crowd for length but also for who’s in it. In the movie Up In The Air, George Clooney’s character Ryan Bingham hilariously says, “Never get behind people travelling with infants. I’ve never seen a stroller collapse in less than 20 minutes. Old people are worse. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal.”
I hope these 10 airport security hacks help make your travels much smoother and cheaper. Let me know in the comments if I missed anything.
KEEP READING:
–8 Ways To Make Sure An Airline Doesn’t Lose Your Bag … And That You Don’t Get Robbed or Stalked
–The Trick For Getting Airport Luggage Carts for Free
–Airline Lost Your Luggage? Do This If You Want to Get Compensated
–Why Frequent Fliers Use Apple AirTags or Samsung SmartTags When They Travel
–An Airline Executive’s Number One Tip for Avoiding Lost Luggage When You Fly
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
Yes, people need to chill pout. I’m 64 and the line about old people in line didn’t bother me. Only thing that would have made it funnier is if they said the old person was wearing SAS shoes and compression socks, with Bermuda shorts.
People are entirely too sensitive these days!! I got cramps from laughing at that George Clooney line while watching the movie and again while reading this post and once more while reading the comments on this post!
Own your stuff! Why are you deflecting responsibility for the Geoge Cloonie “old people” movie lines that YOU posted. George didn’t…You did.
If I said it I would own it. But I didn’t. It was a funny (or not so funny) line from a movie. Here it is again in case you missed it.
“In the movie Up In The Air, George Clooney’s character Ryan Bingham hilariously says, “Never get behind people travelling with infants. I’ve never seen a stroller collapse in less than 20 minutes. Old people are worse. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left on earth.”
What does “time left on earth. have to do with getting on a plane? I plan on being around 10-15 more years Plus the only metals I have are internal and my hearing aids. I find that remark insulting.
Not my line. You need to ask George Clooney since it was a direct quote from one of his movies.
I have metal in both my ankle and elbow. They NEVER set off the scanners. With me it’s usually something like a 5p coin – very small or a window lock key. Never been stopped for drugs search even when traveling from high risk destinations, Turkey, Mexico, DR etc. But once had conditioner swabbed for explosives (LGW) and all my clothes swabbed for same thing at Dalaman. I am a disabled woman in her 50s. As the last was an evening flight they must have been able to smell cigies and a couple of drinks on me. My arms were bare and my headwrap was in my bag. Isis? I don’t think so.
Really, Johnny??? “Old people are worse. Their bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left on earth.” I hope you live a long life and can still enjoy traveling in those years even if you also are slower than in your youth. Old Person, by the grace of God
Believe me, I don’t feel that way. It’s a quote from a movie.
I have found that wearing two blouses or sweaters, two pairs of pants or both a jacked and a coat can be a great way to take clothing that does not fit in your suitcase.
Once, just before boarding, I was told my suitcase was too heavy…so I went around the corner and layered on as much as I could without looking funny. It worked?
When my wallet was stolen at the ABQ airport, I was still able to board my flight to Las Vegas with my boarding pass. But had no ID for my return flight. I had my daughter overnight my passport BUT due to bad weather it did not get there on time for my flight home. This is what I learned!
TSA will not accept digital ID’s (I had my passport and covid card on my phone)
They required two hard copy pieces with my name on it. They accepted my ABQ to LV boarding pass and a receipt from the hotel with my name on it.
I will now carry my old university ID wherever I go with a credit card however not in my wallet!
So, regarding IDs, we both have photos of DL, Passport & Covid Vax Card on our phones.
Hi Johnny,
Just an fyi from Tripit: “On June 29, 2022, we retired the TripIt Pro feature, Security Wait Times.”
Thanks! Will update it
Thanks for the plug!
Hi,
Can you do a similar post for Canadians?
Thank you.