La Piazza Blog & Stories
6 Easy Steps: How to Get Through TSA Airport Security in 15 Minutes
Oh, the dreaded TSA line. It’s the last thing that stands between you and your flight. We’ve spent a lot of time at airports and standing in line. With all this time waiting, we’ve noticed that people are constantly making the same mistake. Through careful observation and testing it myself, we’ve come up with a few simple strategies on how to get through the TSA security line as quickly and efficiently as possible. Yes, sometimes you’re able to get through in 15 minutes or less, while other times you have to be patient and wait. Next time you’re flying, try these 6 easy steps and comment to let us know what worked, what didn’t, or other tips you may have.
1) Make sure what you need is easily accessible
Liquids (3.4 oz or less) in a ziplock bag and laptops must come out of your carry-on bag, so pack them where they can be easily accessed and taken out. Have your passport/I.D. and boarding pass ready to show to TSA (zipper pocket of your carry-on, inside coat pocket, etc). You will not need it until boarding, so just put it away after it’s stamped.
Extra: TSA is always “reminding” people that your laptop must be placed in a bin by itself. False! A TSA agent told me they just want your laptop unobstructed by other objects, so you can place other things in the same bin as long as they do not cover your laptop. Tablets and cameras DO NOT need to be taken out of your bag – don’t make this rookie mistake, we see it all the time!
2) Take off and pack your layers
Anything flowing (such as jacket and scarf) will have to come off and placed in a bin. Belts, some jewelry, phones, loose change, etc. will go off during security and they may have to pay you down. Pack those objects away before getting in the TSA line. If you’re unsure about an item, just take it off.
Side note: wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off. You’ll hold up the line if you have to untie or unzip. It’s best to avoid these people when choosing a queue line. (see #3)!
3) Pick the right queue line
This is the most important and useful tip that we can offer. Do not get in line behind families and/or strollers, elderly, and people wearing shoes with many laces, straps, or boots/heels. Also, stay clear of those wearing layers they haven’t taken off, or are on their phone. Do go for the line with people traveling for business, only have a briefcase or one carry-on item, or are in uniform (flight attendants). Does this tip sound familiar? It’s probably because you’ve seen the movie Up in the Air with George Clooney. Helpful tip: when you’re in one long line which then breaks off into many smaller lines, go for the one farthest away from where the one long line breaks off. They always seem to be less crowded.
4) Systematically place items on the belt
If you’ve followed steps 1-4, here’s how we suggest you unpack:
Take 2 bins
Place shoes, jacket and personal item in first bin
Place laptop and liquids in second bin
Place carry on luggage last, zipper open
Here’s why (you’re now through the screening):
First bin arrives, slip on your shoes, jacket and personal item
Second bin arrives, pick up your laptop and liquids, stack bins
Luggage arrives, flip open, place laptop and liquids inside and done!
5) TSA Precheck
Join this uber helpful and expedited screening program! If you’re considered low-risk, for a fee of $85 for 5 years you can receive expedited screening—and use a separate and shorter line—at TSA security. You’ll have to go in for an interview, but if approved you won’t need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, light jackets and belts. We really only recommend this if you regularly travel in the U.S. for business. as it’s only offered in the US. Click here to learn more.
There are other expedited screening/frequent traveler services for traveling abroad. Click here for those options..
6) Do not ask to skip the line
This isn’t really a tip, but more of a warning. Do not ask agents if you can go to the front of the line because you’re running late for your flight. They are no longer allowed to do this (or maybe they were never allowed to in the first place). Also realize that there may be others in line who are on your same flight. Take a deep breath, follow these steps, and get ready to run to your gate once past security. Your flight will not leave until they have called your name 2-3 times on the loudspeaker.
Did you like this post? Read our other airport tips:
13 Tips for Surviving the Airport
1) Make sure what you need is easily accessible
Liquids (3.4 oz or less) in a ziplock bag and laptops must come out of your carry-on bag, so pack them where they can be easily accessed and taken out. Have your passport/I.D. and boarding pass ready to show to TSA (zipper pocket of your carry-on, inside coat pocket, etc). You will not need it until boarding, so just put it away after it’s stamped.
Extra: TSA is always “reminding” people that your laptop must be placed in a bin by itself. False! A TSA agent told me they just want your laptop unobstructed by other objects, so you can place other things in the same bin as long as they do not cover your laptop. Tablets and cameras DO NOT need to be taken out of your bag – don’t make this rookie mistake, we see it all the time!
2) Take off and pack your layers
Anything flowing (such as jacket and scarf) will have to come off and placed in a bin. Belts, some jewelry, phones, loose change, etc. will go off during security and they may have to pay you down. Pack those objects away before getting in the TSA line. If you’re unsure about an item, just take it off.
Side note: wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off. You’ll hold up the line if you have to untie or unzip. It’s best to avoid these people when choosing a queue line. (see #3)!
3) Pick the right queue line
This is the most important and useful tip that we can offer. Do not get in line behind families and/or strollers, elderly, and people wearing shoes with many laces, straps, or boots/heels. Also, stay clear of those wearing layers they haven’t taken off, or are on their phone. Do go for the line with people traveling for business, only have a briefcase or one carry-on item, or are in uniform (flight attendants). Does this tip sound familiar? It’s probably because you’ve seen the movie Up in the Air with George Clooney. Helpful tip: when you’re in one long line which then breaks off into many smaller lines, go for the one farthest away from where the one long line breaks off. They always seem to be less crowded.
4) Systematically place items on the belt
If you’ve followed steps 1-4, here’s how we suggest you unpack:
Take 2 bins
Place shoes, jacket and personal item in first bin
Place laptop and liquids in second bin
Place carry on luggage last, zipper open
Here’s why (you’re now through the screening):
First bin arrives, slip on your shoes, jacket and personal item
Second bin arrives, pick up your laptop and liquids, stack bins
Luggage arrives, flip open, place laptop and liquids inside and done!
5) TSA Precheck
Join this uber helpful and expedited screening program! If you’re considered low-risk, for a fee of $85 for 5 years you can receive expedited screening—and use a separate and shorter line—at TSA security. You’ll have to go in for an interview, but if approved you won’t need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, light jackets and belts. We really only recommend this if you regularly travel in the U.S. for business. as it’s only offered in the US. Click here to learn more.
There are other expedited screening/frequent traveler services for traveling abroad. Click here for those options..
6) Do not ask to skip the line
This isn’t really a tip, but more of a warning. Do not ask agents if you can go to the front of the line because you’re running late for your flight. They are no longer allowed to do this (or maybe they were never allowed to in the first place). Also realize that there may be others in line who are on your same flight. Take a deep breath, follow these steps, and get ready to run to your gate once past security. Your flight will not leave until they have called your name 2-3 times on the loudspeaker.
Did you like this post? Read our other airport tips:
13 Tips for Surviving the Airport