When traveling to your corporate housing San Diego destination, you were perfectly prepared: well-rested, packed the night before, and gave yourself plenty of time to clear security. What you didn’t account for was the nightmare traveller in the security line just ahead of you. We’ve all been there before; stuck in line at airport security behind the traveler with his liquids packed in his suitcase, his ID buried deep in his pockets that are overflowing with who-knows-what, and not a care in the world that he’s keeping you from making your flight on time. Don’t be that guy who gets death stares in the back of his head as he takes his sweet time to remove his shoes, belt, and jackets. Save yourself and your fellow travelers from unnecessary delays in the airport security line by following these quick tips:
- Dress in Travel-Friendly Attire
- Follow the Rules
- Travel With a Security-Approved Laptop Bag
- Avoid Traveling During Peak Hours
If possible, it’s best to wear slip-on shoes, and to avoid all clothing with metal buckles and buttons. Remove your jacket or sweater before entering the security line. Always empty pockets of keys, phones, and change and take off any metallic jewelry before you get to the x-ray machine.
Know what’s allowed to be carried on-board and read up on TSA regulations while you’re packing. Avoid unnecessary delays (and a possible slap on the wrist) by keeping a plastic bag full of your travel-sized toiletries and liquids in the outer pocket of your suitcase for easy access at the checkpoint.
Avoid taking out your laptop and fumbling with it at the front of the line altogether with a new, security-approved laptop bag. TSA is now allowing business travelers with certain computer bags that meet new standards to leave their laptops in their bags while traveling through security. Read more about checkpoint-friendly bags here.
If you are able to plan your flight to avoid the peak airport times of 6:30-9:30 in the morning and 3:30-7:30 in the evening,you will be much more likely to get through security quickly. Keep in mind that traveling during holidays, spring break season, or special sporting events will always be busy, so prepare yourself for the delays in advance.
Follow these four easy tips, and your time in the security line at the airport will be a breeze!