5 Tips For Cutting Down Your TSA Line Wait Time

If you travel enough , you will begin to notice who can quickly and efficiently travel thru the TSA security lines. Yes, those who are weekly business travelers or who pay for TSA precheck are the obvious choices – but it doesn’t need to end there. With growing issues such as disease, new immigration laws and border control surrounding traveling there are few key things you can do to ensure your entry thru security is as quick and painless as possible.

The Travelers Tips has compiled the 5 Steps to Cut Down Your TSA Wait Time , check them out below:

5 Steps To Your Most Painless TSA Security Check Yet

1- Preparation

“Dress for the occasion” might be one of the most overused sayings in our history – but it does hold some validity in regards to airport travel.  I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have seen people dressed up with belts, jackets, and jewelry try to go thru the security line only to get sent back and hold up the line for everyone.

Traveling – even for business – should be done in the most comfortable and efficient way possible. Make sure to always think ahead and be prepared before you reach a TSA agent – it’ll improve your speed thru the line and allow you to quickly relax on the other end.

Tip * You can take off all jewelry, belts, watches etc before you get to the security line, throw them in your bag – so all that is left when you get there is your shoes. A simple tip that i still see 1,000s of people forget.

2- Have Your Papers Handy   

Removing prohibited items before security is one battle won , but having the right form of identification and paperwork for the TSA officer is how you win the war.

Now I know you see the word war and think TSA is our enemy and while TSA agents are notorious difficult on a good day, your energy is better served by having your vital documents in all in one place.

Tip * : An Identification Holder helps keep all your special travel documents in one place: passport, tickets, I.Ds – you won’t have to fumble for the right paperwork when you get to the line.

3- Know What You Can Bring 

Per TSA requirements, all liquid and gel items must be 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) or smaller per item. Every liquid and gel product you carry into the passenger compartment must meet this requirement and fit into a single, 1-quart zip-closure clear plastic bag.

If you have to bring larger liquid or gel items, you will have to place them in your checked baggage unless they are medically necessary. TSA approved containers are a way to ensure all your liquids remain under the 3.4 oz restriction – don’t forget that all containers must fit in a 1 quart size TSA approved bag.

Tip* –  You can bring food thru security just as long as the liquids are no greater than 3.4 ounce. Bring a pie or even bring a chicken cutlet sandwich – 

4- And What You Can't

TSA Approved isn’t just a buzz phrase, its a real thing and anyone who has had their bag inspected and some of their important products thrown out, can attest to this.

We learned before that one of the biggest reasons TSA officer will flag our luggage is because of liquids in excess of 3.4 oz , but they will also flag your luggage if they notice any water bottles, strange or sharp objects, guns, and alcohol over 140 proof.

Use common sense when packing a carry on and always make sure to double check what you’ve packed before you go.

Tip*   TSA Approved locks ensure that if security needs to run additional screening on a bag and you are not present they can simply use a master key and unlock rather then cut your lock and rummage through your belongings.

5- Invest In Your Time

As of Feb 10th 2020 TSA has put a freeze on TSA precheck enrollment, citing concerns with the nation’s security and immigration issues.  Before the freeze, TSA precheck would grant travelers the ability to use a expedited line after having their tickets checked by an officer. Thus making the journey from Pre to post security that much quicker.

However with the current freeze on PreCheck , a new product – Clear has come to forefront.

Clear  – while different then Pre Check- is extremely because it allows you to skip the entire line to the security officer, often this is the longest part of the wait. From there you are able to go directly to the security check and thru to the other side. 

Some Clear members boast 5-10 min from pre to post security. 

Tip* –   Sign Up With Clear Today and Bypass Security Officer Line Today. 

TSA Approved Products For Your Next Trip

Check out the products mentioned in the our article; below, to ensure all your travel products are up to date with all TSA regulations.

TSA Ready Document Holder

The travel organizer is both durable and efficient, with enough internal pockets to fit your tickets, boarding passes and money yet still has a dedicated portion for your passport.

TSA Approved Locks

TSA approved locks mean they can be opened by a specific key given to all TSA agents, which can eliminate your lock from being cut. Even better, if the TSA has opened your luggage, a the button at the of the cable lock will pop up. You’ll know to double check your luggage to make sure nothing has gone missing while you’re still at the airport instead of at your hotel or final destination.

TSA Approved Liquid Containers

The TSA requires all liquids be in containers under 3.4 oz, if you have any specialize serums, creams, lotions, Toner, Shower Gel ,Shampoo or Essential Oil, moisturizers this is the way to go to ensure your favorite products aren’t thrown out on the security line.

TSA Approved Toiletry Case

This TSA approved toiletry case is specifically made within the confines of 1 quart, the maximum size allowed by the TSA. Its translucent , which in the unlikely case you need to go thru additional screening you can be sure a TSA agent can check the bag without having to rummage thru it.