Tips for Getting Through Airport Security

Going through airport security can be stressful, especially if you're arriving from or departing to another country. But if you have a plan of action when going through security—and follow it—you'll breeze right through without getting stressed out or causing delays for others behind you in line. Here's what I've found works best for me (and countless other travelers):

Have a plan of action

• Know what you can and can't bring through security.
  
• Have a plan of action for how to get through security quickly.
  
• Have a plan of action for how to get through security if you have special needs (e.g., if you're elderly or disabled).
  
• Have a plan of action for how to get through security if you have to check your bag or other items, instead of bringing them with you on the plane (e.g., if the item is too large or too heavy).
  

Shower. (Yes, seriously.)

If you have time to shower before you go to the airport, do it! You'll feel better about yourself and be less likely to get sick from being in a stuffy plane for hours on end. Plus, who wants to smell like they've been on a flight for days? We've all been there: You're at security and the person ahead of you is causing delays because she's wearing heels that are too high for her feet or trying to take food past security because she doesn't want it anymore. You don't want to be that person holding up everyone else's day just because they can't stand the smell coming off their body anymore.

Pack light

• Pack light. Bringing only what you need for the trip means a faster trip through security. Also, if it’s impossible to find something in your bag, it could delay your flight or cause additional screening.
  
• Don’t pack liquids, gels or aerosols in your carry-on luggage. These items must be put into a clear plastic bag and placed inside of one quart-sized clear plastic bag that can be removed from the larger bag without unzipping it or opening it at any point during the screening process. Do not bring more than three oz of these items per container (unless they are required for medical reasons), and make sure they are placed in a single quart sized clear plastic bag before going through security (more info here).
  
• Avoid sharp objects like scissors and knives — they can damage x-ray machines as well as hurt people coming into contact with them on their way through security screenings.
  
• Make sure anything you bring into an airport is easily removable from your luggage before going through security so that nothing will get lost or damaged during screening processes.*
  

Skip the fashion accessories

When it comes to airport security, every item in your carry-on bag must be able to fit through the x-ray machine. This means you can't wear large accessories like hats, scarves, belts or even shoes.
If you have a backpack that you're bringing with you on your trip (and most people do), make sure it has no metal or electronic parts inside—these will set off the alarm when going through security.

Dress for efficiency

When you're packing for your flight, think about what you're going to wear and how much time it will take to get ready. It's best to avoid clothing with laces or belts that can be difficult or time consuming to remove. Jeans are also a bad idea because of their bulkiness. Instead, opt for pants and shirts that fasten at the front with buttons or zippers so they're easy to take off once your bag has been x-rayed.
If your shoes are difficult to take off (think high heels), put them in a plastic bag and slip them over the edge of your suitcase when you pack it so they don't get lost inside. However, if you do lose them during security screening and need another pair before boarding your flight, bring along some flats so you'll still be able to walk comfortably at the airport after screenings are complete!
Layers of clothing should also be avoided as they can add unnecessary weight and hassle during screening processes—and who wants extra bulk? Jewelry is another item worth considering carefully: While many people like wearing necklaces or bracelets through airport security lines because they're fashionable pieces of jewelry that reflect personal style, these items often have shiny metals embedded into them which may set off alarms while being scanned by x-ray machines used by TSA agents during screenings; it's also possible that certain types (such as costume jewelry) might not be allowed through due safety regulations imposed by airlines when flying internationally."

Wear slip-on shoes

• Slip-ons are a great option because they're easier to take off and put back on than lace up shoes. They also don't need to be tied, so you can use your hands for something else while waiting in line.
  
• If you plan to wear the same pair of shoes on both legs of your flight, you might want to consider bringing an extra pair with you just in case one shoe breaks mid-flight or gets lost during security screening. That way, if something like this happens and there's no time for repairs before departure, at least you'll have spare footwear!
  

Don't wear sunglasses

Sunglasses are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags, but they can be worn on the plane. If you’re going to wear sunglasses, buy a cheap pair at the airport!

Be nice to the TSA employees

You're probably familiar with the old saying, "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." While this may be true, it's also a cliché. Nevertheless, it rings true in most situations—and airport security is one of them.
Don't be that person who yells at TSA agents because they're doing their job and following protocol. It's not their fault that your bag has an alarm on it or that there are rules to follow. These agents are just trying to make sure everyone has a safe flight! If you want to get through airport security quickly and efficiently, follow these tips:

• Be nice to the TSA employees! They're human beings just like you; do not forget this fact when dealing with them!
  
• Don't blame them for being thorough or asking questions that have already been answered in other ways (e.g., online).
  
• Don't try to sneak things through security—it won't work anyway! You'll only waste time trying something that won't work anyway!
  

Keep your ID and boarding pass in an easily accessible place that's hard to lose or forget, like a back pocket or small purse

Keep your ID and boarding pass in an easily accessible place that's hard to lose or forget, like a back pocket or small purse.
I know this is obvious, but I've seen so many people fumble with their IDs at the security checkpoint. They pull out their wallets and start digging around through all of their stuff before they realize they're not actually in there (or worse: they put them in their pocket).
The easiest way to avoid this is by keeping your ID and boarding pass somewhere other than the wallet you'll be carrying on your person for the duration of your trip. I recommend keeping them in a separate compartment of your carry-on bag, like one of those special pockets designed specifically for storing documents (especially if you're flying Virgin America). Your boarding pass should be kept separately from its corresponding ticket as well - it should not be stapled onto said ticket! Instead, put it into another part of your carry-on bag or bring along something like TicketFast so that you can print out new tickets whenever necessary.

Know what you can bring through security in your carry-on and checked luggage

• Knives, guns, explosives and other weapons
  
• Liquids over 3.4 ounces
  
• Medications (make sure they are in their original prescription bottle)
  

If you have a plan of action when going through airport security, you'll breeze right through without getting stressed out or causing delays for others behind you in line

When you're going through airport security, having a plan of action will make your experience much smoother.

• Have everything you need ready to go in front of you on the conveyor belt: ID, boarding pass and passport (if applicable). This will ensure that you have all three items when they come out of the scanner so that you can be on your way as soon as possible.
  
• Make sure any liquids are in one container and are 3-oz or smaller. It's helpful to carry them in Ziploc bags so they don't spill in your bag or on other belongings.
  
• Limit jewelry to one necklace or bracelet per person—you may wear one watch per wrist, but no more than two rings total (one for each hand). If unsure about what constitutes a reasonable amount of jewelry for travel purposes, err on the side of caution and take it off before getting into line! You can always put it back on after passing through security if need be!
  
• Wear shoes with laces or clasps/zippers instead of slip-ons; metal detectors won't detect these as easily as those without closures/fasteners (unless metal is present within them). If changing footwear before entering security lines isn't practical due to time constraints then consider bringing an extra pair just in case there's an issue with any metal pieces inside yours.'
  

*This article was written by an AI.