How to Fly Through Airport Lines
There are lines everywhere: the grocery store, Disneyland, the DMV, movie theaters and, the longest of all, the airport. When making travel arrangements there are ways to get through check-in at the airport faster. Here are four ways how to fly through airport lines.
Organized Packing: Your clothing will arrive wrinkle free and packing in an organized manner will help you get through TSA checkpoints faster. Arranging clothing, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, flip flops, jewelry and other items neatly in your suitcase allows the TSA agent to see what items are when they go through the x-ray.
Allow separate bags for:
- Laptops, DVD players, game consoles, cameras and cell phones.
- Liquids like shampoo and mouthwash must be in clear zip lock bags.
- Jackets must be checked separate from suitcases.
- Leave gifts unwrapped so the contents can be identified.
- Money, keys, ID and tickets should be in a pocketbook for safe and easy access.
- Keeping these items out of your pockets will speed up passage through airport lines.
Dress to Impress: You are not going on a date you are going out for a plane ride. Wear comfortable clothing that is neither stuffy nor baggy. You do not have to show up in sweatpants. Yoga pants, khaki pants, track pants, shift dresses or linen pants are perfect for travel. Clothing that does not require a metal belt is suitable. Slip-on shoes speed up your step through security. Leave the accessories and jewelry in a carry-on for when you make your arrival.
Prescreening: If you travel with American Airlines, Delta or Alaska Airlines you may be eligible for enrollment in the TSA PreCheck program. This is for frequent flyers and those who are members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Program, Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS programs. These programs offer passengers expedited screening and the opportunity to keep more of their items in their luggage. Acceptance into the program may include giving personal information, having a formal meeting with a TSA agent, having your retina scanned and fingerprints taken, having your trips recorded. Sign up for these programs well in advance of your next trip.
Timeliness: Cleanliness may be next to Godliness but Timeliness is how to fly through airport lines. Getting to the airport on time allows you to be at the front of the line. A trusted tip is hiring a chauffeured car service to take you to the terminal. You will not have to worry about traffic, parking or making the long trek through the maze of parking areas.
With proper packing, dressing the part, taking advantage of frequent flyer programs and a timely arrival you will know just how to fly through airport lines.