Navigating Airport Security Quickly: Insights from a TSA Expert

Even if you’ve allocated sufficient time to transition from check-in to your gate, lengthy waits in the airport security line can be annoying, exhausting, and incredibly stressful. Luckily, we gathered some straightforward tips and practical advice from Lisa Farbstein, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), on expediting your airport security experience.

1. Sign Up for TSA PreCheck or Clear

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program enabling enrolled individuals to access a security line that is typically shorter and quicker than the standard line. TSA PreCheck members are not required to remove liquids, laptops, or shoes while passing through security—though starting in 2023, some airports may permit all travelers (including non-PreCheck) to keep their liquids in their bags due to advancements in scanning technology.

It's important to differentiate TSA PreCheck from Global Entry, which facilitates faster processing when clearing customs upon returning to the U.S. However, enrolling in Global Entry automatically grants you TSA PreCheck benefits. “If you’re traveling internationally, Global Entry is definitely the best choice,” advises Farbstein. You’ll receive TSA PreCheck as part of the Global Entry process, eliminating the need to sign up and pay for both programs separately. A five-year Global Entry membership is priced at $100. You’ll need to complete a 30-minute interview, but due to the program's popularity, securing an appointment can sometimes take a couple of months. To accelerate the process, consider scheduling your interview midweek and check wait times if you live near multiple airports.

Alongside TSA PreCheck, travelers can also sign up for Clear®, which has an annual membership fee of $189. Once you register online and complete a brief in-person identity verification scan, you can approach a Clear kiosk at any airport and scan your fingerprints or eyes. A representative will then guide you directly to the security checkpoint, allowing you to skip the regular line where TSA agents check your ID.

With lengthy waits now typical at airport security lines, even for TSA PreCheck, combining Clear® and TSA PreCheck offers the fastest way to pass through security.

2. Choose Easily Removable Shoes

What type of footwear is best for navigating airport security? “Opt for shoes that you don’t have to remove,” suggests Farbstein, emphasizing that TSA PreCheck members can keep their shoes, light jackets, and laptops in their bags.

If you lack PreCheck and must take off your shoes, select a pair that you can easily slip on and off. We recommend the wool slip-ons from Glerups.

3. Ensure Your Clothing is Metal-Free

It seems obvious, right? Yet many travelers find themselves delayed at security due to overlooked metal buttons on shirts or metallic studs on jeans. Even underwire bras can trigger metal detectors. Pay attention to these details in your clothing when selecting your travel outfit to ensure a smooth passage through metal detectors.

4. Keep Your Carry-On Organized

You don’t need to achieve perfection in folding shirts and pants, but stuffing items haphazardly into a carry-on can lead to avoidable stress at airport security. Occasionally, TSA conducts random luggage checks, and having an orderly bag will make repacking easier. (We suggest using packing cubes for better organization.)

For items you may need to access quickly during security checks, such as a laptop or toiletry bag, ensure they are not buried deep in your bag, advises Farbstein.

5. Adhere to TSA's 3-1-1 Liquid Policy

Informed travelers understand that the TSA allows carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All these items must fit into a quart-sized clear plastic bag, with a limit of one bag per passenger.

The definition of what constitutes a liquid can be a bit murky. Lisa Farbstein offers a simple way to remember: “A good rule of thumb,” she notes, “is if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s classified as a liquid, gel, or aerosol.” This also includes peanut butter and similar foods. “People love to travel with peanut butter,” Farbstein laughs. “If it’s already spread on a sandwich, you’re fine. But bringing a jar through security is a definite no.”

If you're ever uncertain, you can use TSA’s handy What Can I Bring? tool or text the TSA your inquiries.

6. Remember to Empty Your Water Bottle

Full water bottles frequently lead to TSA stopping passengers for additional screening. To avoid this, bring an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing through security.

7. Allow Extra Time During Peak Travel Seasons

“Summer travel resembles peak traffic on a highway,” explains Farbstein. “During holidays, many travelers are with children, which can further delay lines.” She recommends allowing extra time if you anticipate your flight will be during a particularly busy period. Some early morning flights may also see PreCheck lanes not open yet—so don't count on breezing through expedited security simply because you have PreCheck.

This article was first published in 2018 and updated most recently on March 16, 2023, to provide the latest information.

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