Getting Through Airport Security Like a Pro
How many times have you been standing in line at security check-in and wanted to murder somebody? I know I have, a lot. I'm here to tell you that if we could all get on the same page with security check-in, this would go a lot faster for everyone.
Here are some tricks to breeze your way through the checkpoint.
1. Have your shoes ready to come off
Having your shoes ready to go will save you precious seconds in your security woes. I like to wear zip-up boots for my travels because they are versatile. I unzip my boots in line, well before I hit the front of the line. Then you can step right out of them and toss them in the container without slowing down.
2. Have your identification and boarding pass out and ready
Orient your ID to the person taking it from you, facing them and right side up if you're using your passport, open it to the correct page. They'll look at it and your face and move faster to scan it. Place the boarding pass behind the ID facing them, also right side up. This makes it easier for them to scan and easier means faster.
3. Don't strike up chit chat
Be cordial and polite, smile. But, don't get in a conversation with this guy, he'll only slow you down and you'll only slow him down. Not good news for anybody.
4. Pay attention while in line
This sounds obvious, but pay attention! Notice which line is opening up next and step out immediately. All that time between people is dead time and thus, wasted time.
5. Contain your pocket items
I tend to wear a hat to the airport because there are usually a few things I have either in my hands or in my pockets. ID, boarding pass, chapstick, cell phone, you know what you carry. Wearing a hat gives me an external pocket to dump that stuff in and place it right in the bin for the x-ray machine. It also makes for retrieving your stuff faster and getting out of other people's way.
6. Pay attention at the scanner
Again, obvious, but when the person in front of you steps out of the scanner, be ready to step in. Don't get caught up in chit chat with people around you and get distracted. Move with a purpose.
7. Flip your necklace (especially ladies)
Flipping your necklace to your back makes it easier for the guard to scan you when your necklace lights up the machine. And believe me, it's better for them to touch your back than your chest.
8. Laptops ready to come out
If you're traveling with a laptop, have the zipper open and be ready to pull it out of your bag. Most airports require laptops in their own bin, prepare for that.
9. Bottles empty!
Don't be that guy who holds up the line to down your water bottle. It irritates your fellow travelers and slows everyone down!
10. Move while in line
Don't stand there lost on your phone not watching the line move. Keep it tight and keep up. It's how we all get through quicker.
If you can follow these simple tips, you can get through security quickly and reduce the frustration of those around you! Thank y'all for reading this, I hope you find something useful.
