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
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Just don’t freeze the bottle of water too cold. It’ll not thaw enough to drink on the plane. I made that mistake by not only freezing the bottle of water in my deep freeze but by also wrapping it up in a thick towel on the way to the airport. That bottle of water took half the day to thaw and I was back on the ground before there was much to drink. Kinda funny, actually.
I’m 65, BTW and was not offended as I knew JJ would not be so callous.
I resemble that remark! I’m old and have a lot of metal in my body. I think the quote is hilarious! Thanks for the laugh!
I was a medic for 30 years when I fractured my back on a call. 5 surgeries later I have enough metal in me to build a 747 and require a mobility-service-dog to walk around. It takes me 10 minutes to go through the TSA scanner and another 5-10 minutes for the agents to frisk my dog and check his harness to make sure he isn’t smuggling dog treats onto the plane.
Also, you’d be amazed the number of below-the-neck body piercings I’ve seen during my career (providing care to trauma patients or looking at hospital x-rays). I’ll let your mind wander thinking how TSA agents deal with this.
P.s. I’ve chosen to joke about myself and my dog with the agents instead of getting mad or frustrated and make their job more difficult.
Go through the whole-body scanners if you have metal in your body. You will pass right through.
You did your best to explain and apologize. Offending anyone was obviously not your motive. They need to get over it. Rock on Johnny! Travel far and wide!
I’m going on 78 and I’m not offended. I appreciate all the travel tips you and your wife share with us. God bless you.
Thanks!
Old people (including myself) are “Metal People”. We have silver in our hair, gold in our teeth and lead in our pants. (From the movie, “See Here, Private Hargrove” (approximately 1942-1943). He was, of course, referring to sergeants and officers in this man’s army.
Please do not encourage people who only fly 1-2 times a year to get Precheck! They end up clogging the line because they are clueless travelers! I finally got CLEAR this past year because of slow Precheck lines! I do love/appreciate CLEAR; however, they are not in all cities, and they have scheduled hours of when they are open and closed. I recently had a red eye out of SLC and found out they close at 10pm.
Thank you for all the other suggestions!
@johnnyjet Good heavens! Some people need to buy a sense of humor. Please don’t let cranky old people dampen your levity. I am old and I thought it was hilarious. For Frank, the grouch calling you insensitive,—Here’s a line from another movie, (Stripes w/Bill Murray), “Lighten up Frances!”
I love that line and use it often since my dad’s name is Francis!
My 80 year body has a glob of metal in both shoulder and knee. You don’t want me in your line. No matter how stripped down I get TSA will 100% of the time find a way to stop the line for their enhanced grouping which includes feeling me up. That’s when I hold my breath and count to four. Johnny you owe none of us an apology for publishing facts. The people that should apologize are TSA agents for picking on old people, especially the very elderly in wheelchairs.
I didn’t appreciate your comment about old people either! I happen to have an implant for my back, and didn’t jump up and down with excitement when they told me I would be stopped at the airport security. Whether you said it or George Clooney said it, you REPEATED it, and therefore, I think you owe the elderly, including me at 69+, an apology. You are very insensitive. You have offended MANY!
Hi David,
I’m sorry you were offended. I didn’t mean to offend anyone, and I have the utmost respect for elders. It was supposed to be funny and also the mentality some frequent travelers have. I apologize
tip number 10 shows your a insensitive prick