How to breeze through airport security like a pro
I don’t know about you but no matter how many times I fly, I always get really stressed out about going through airport security.
I think the reason for that is that I am always randomly selected for further investigations and that gives me anxiety.
If you are also anxious when it comes to going through security, then read ahead for some tips I have on breezing through airport security like a pro.
Before you get to the airport
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. That way you won’t be running around the terminal like that scene from Home Alone when they were all late.
Keep in mind that sometimes the security line can be very long. For example, Friday nights or holidays are very busy and can be very hectic.
Leave yourself plenty of time coz you don’t want to rush around and stress.
Always try and pack as little as possible. That way your bag will go through the scanner faster and the chance of them making you open your bag and search it is lower.
If in doubt, put it in your checked-in luggage.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A lot of airports make you take off your shoes, and if it’s difficult to take them off and put them back on you will stall the line.
At the security checkpoint
Don’t forget to empty your pockets (yup all of them!) and take off your belt. You will need to take off your hat and jacket/sweater as well.
People always dump their change in the bins and then take forever to collect them. Please put all the coins in your wallet before getting to the security line.
Remember not to wear excessive jewelry or other metal items as they might set off the metal detector.
Usually, they make me take off my watch so I would throw that in the bin also.
Make sure you check the airport’s list of prohibited items before you go. Passengers cannot bring sharp objects such as knives or flammable items such as lighters.
If you bring those things with you in your carry-on they will be confiscated. You can pack them in your checked-in luggage though.
You can bring liquids, aerosols, and gels under 100 ml. (3.4 ounces) each, all of them need to fit in a 1-liter bag in total, one 1 liter see-through bag per person. So remember 100 ml. each bottle, 1-liter bag for all the bottles you have, and you get only one bag.
If you bring toiletries in your carry-on please ensure they are the correct size, otherwise they will be confiscated and thrown away.
I literally see this all the time, where people have their 2-liter shampoo bottle in their carry-on and are confused as to why it gets taken away.
There is no exception to the above rules, so make sure you follow them. Bigger liquids, aerosols, and gels can go in your checked-in luggage; there are no restrictions on those.
Ensure your water bottle is empty. You can fill it up once you pass security.
Always have your passport (open on the picture page) and boarding pass in your hands ready to present to the airport staff.
A very important point to remember is to cooperate with the airport staff. Their job is to keep us all safe so follow their instructions. Don’t make jokes about plane crashes or bombs in front of them.
Sometimes they will ask you to go in this body scanner machine, where you have to lift your hands and it scans your body.
They can also pat you down if you are claustrophobic. A lot of times, they will randomly inspect your bag or ask to take samples of your fingertips/belt/hat/bag for drugs or explosives.
This is what I meant above when I said I always get randomly inspected. I have no idea why (I really don’t look suspicious lol).
Either way, if they randomly select you, don’t freak out, it’s just regular procedures.
You will need to place all your belongings in a plastic bin. If you have a laptop, they will ask you to put it in a separate bin.
Other electronics usually are ok in the carry-on bag. Keep your laptop and other electronics in a separate pocket in your carry-on or somewhere where you can get them out and in fast.
Sometimes they will ask you to show them your liquids bag (the 1-liter one) if you have any.
Most airports have see-through plastic bags where you can put your liquids that go into your carry-on (see the pic above).
I usually put everything in my checked-in luggage unless I am only travelling with a carry-on. In that case, I hold the bag in my hand to show it to the security staff for inspection.
I would put it somewhere in my carry-on where I can grab it quickly, present it, and then put it back.
Once your bag goes through the scanner and there was nothing out of the ordinary that the airport staff has to investigate further, you can grab your carry-on and proceed to your gate.
The actual security check doesn’t take too long to do but waiting in line is usually what takes a lot of time.
I’ve had to wait sometimes a few hours to get through. It really depends on the size of the airport you are in too and if you are alone or with other people who need assistance.
Once you are on the other side
Once you get through security, make sure you find your gate.
Sometimes the gate ends up being at the very end of the terminal. If you are in a big airport, it might take you a long time to get from the security area to your gate.
Find your gate first, then look around and shop or go to the bathroom.
Remember to keep a close eye on the status of your flight. Flights are frequently delayed and due to the delay usually, the gate is also changed.
In case your flight is delayed, check out this blog post.
Pay attention to the information monitors and to the PA announcements.
You will need to show your passport and boarding pass one more time – before you get on the plane. Other than that you are ready to go!!!
Make sure you don’t lose those two between the security checkpoint and boarding the plane. Put them somewhere where you can’t lose them but can easily access them.
I hope this will help you have a more stress-free experience going through airport security.
Remember to cooperate at all times with the airport staff, to answer all questions honestly, and abide by all security rules.
If you do that there is no reason to feel worried or panic because the whole point is to keep us all safe and sound.
