In 2016, commercial airlines carried upwards of 3.8 billion passengers to destinations all across the globe. But even though your next flight can take you on an amazing adventure, getting there can be a real pain — specifically when it comes to the dreaded airport security line. While there’s an element of chance involved as to how long you’ll have to wait before you’re cleared to go to your gate, here are some hacks that will allow you to cut down on the time spent without your shoes on, moving at a glacial pace.
Be choosy about when you fly and your airport of choice
As a rule, you should avoid traveling on the year’s busiest days whenever you can. Airport security lines are notoriously long on Friday afternoons and evenings, from approximately 4 PM to 8 PM. That’s because business travelers are coming back home at the same time pleasure travelers are departing. Flying at any other day of the week or time is usually preferable, unless it’s the day before Thanksgiving or the Sunday right after it.
In addition to days and times, you may want to be conscious of the airport you choose for your departures. Sometimes, you won’t have much of a choice. But if you’re able to decide between a major hub or a small local airport, you may do well to choose the latter. Often, small airports come with shorter security lines simply because they don’t serve as many passengers.
Use the TripIt app
The travel app called TripIt already keeps users’ flight information, hotel and restaurant reservations, car rental info, and itinerary all in one convenient place. But now, the TripIt Pro service will allow tech-savvy travelers to stay up-to-date about the length of the security lines in airports they use. For $49 a year, travelers can access real-time line updates through a line-monitoring system that boasts 98% or 99% accuracy, according to iinside, the company behind the app.
According to a 2013 air travel survey conducted by TripAdvisor, 56% of travelers already used their smartphones for flight status alerts and updates, so it’s not a stretch to think such a service would be in-demand for airline passengers in 2018. While the TSA itself already does provide wait list times through their own site, iinside says their tool is far more precise. The feature is available only for our international airports (like Orlando, Denver, Austin, and Phoenix) right now, but the company plans to expand their offerings soon. If you frequently travel through these hubs and hate nothing more than waiting around, the cost might be worth it.
Sign up for a fast entry program
Even if there’s a long security line at your airport, you can get through faster if you pay for it. TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a five-year period and is by far the most popular option for speeding through security. You do have to undergo a screening and enrollment process wherein you’ll be subject to a background check and fingerprinting. But you won’t have to remove your shoes or take out your laptop, and the TSA says 99% of PreCheck passengers spend less than five minutes in the security line.
If you’re a frequent international jet-setter, you might want to consider Global Entry instead. You’ll get all of the benefits of the TSA program when traveling both domestically and abroad, meaning you’ll avoid long customs lines too. It costs $100 but if you use certain American Express Gold and Platinum cards, you might essentially be able to get it for free.
Clear is a newer option that is currently available in just 13 airports, but it’s getting a lot of attention. It costs $179 a year and basically bumps you to the front of the security line, regardless of how long it might be. Instead of waiting for an agent to scan your ID and boarding pass, you can just place your finger and smartphone’s saved boarding pass onto a kiosk. It’s pretty elitist, but that’s the appeal for some people.
Ensure you have the right ID
You’ll definitely be delayed if you don’t bring the right kind of identification to the airport with you. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 to prevent identity fraud, and although all 50 states are now compliant, you might soon be prohibited from flying without an acceptable form of ID. If you’re a resident of certain U.S. territories, for example, you might not be able to fly domestically without a Real ID-compliant license, passport, border ID card, or permanent resident card. While most Americans don’t need to worry, experts recommend that if you don’t have a passport or need to renew yours, you should do so as soon as you can. Ultimately, this won’t allow you to avoid a long line entirely, but it’ll ensure the time you do have to wait is well-spent.
Flying might never be a barrel of laughs, but at least you can reduce the time you spend in your stocking feet being scanned by security agents with these tips. Be sure to keep them in mind the next time you fly.
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