Fast Track Airport Security: Tips To Get Through Quicker
Welcome to airport security, with another line and more waiting. But this is the era we live in, and having a long wait for an invasive procedure has become the norm. So it’s no real surprise that people are looking for ways to fast track airport security and start relaxing in departures.
While this does not completely bypass the security process, it can certainly speed it up, especially at peak times.
In this article, we will explore some methods and services that allow passengers to skip airport security while still ensuring safety measures are met. Revolutionizing the way we approach air travel. Some will just be tips to avoid the biggest lines, others will put you at the front of the line for free. Then there will be more efficient paid options, from airline to country or region specific schemes. So read on to save time at airport security.
To note, anything can happen at airports, flight time changes, backlog from delays, and technical and software issues. So although these tips will help. There is never a 100% guarantee that things will go to plan at the airport.
1. Check Security Wait Times
Now this way to fast track airport security for free does not actually enable you to skip the line ahead of other passengers. But what it does do is give you a strategic advantage to cut waiting times down.
What you want to do, before booking your flight, is check to see how long the waiting times at security are. Do this for the airport you are traveling through, and then book flights at more convenient times. Places to check for this are the airports website, or apps and sites that specialize in this information.
This method can still be useful if you have booked your flight already. It can help determine whether or not it’s worthwhile looking into another way to skip airport security.
Qsensor. Unfortunately, this is a paid subscription. However, it will offer data on security and customs for most of the big global airports.
Other Free ways include airport websites, and free apps such as the TSA app and Kayak.
2. Fly At Off Peak Times
Another tactical way to avoid airport security lines is to fly when fewer people are about. This is obvious as fewer people equals less queuing. This doesn’t just go for peak times of day, it also takes holidays into account, whether it’s a public holiday or the kids are off school.
3. Arrive At The Airport Early
A free, non line skipping option. Arrive at the airport earlier than recommended, 30 min should be enough. This should give you some leeway in case of any unforeseen holdups. Although you may still be waiting in line, knowing you are early will ease some of the stress Which in a way is why we want to skip the airport security line, paid or not.
Additionally, you can sign up for the airport’s social media accounts, so if there are any hiccups with security on your day of travel, you could find out before you leave.
4. Choose Which Security Line To Join
If you get to a point where you can choose between 2 or more standard security lines. Then being judgmental towards other passengers is the way to go.
The obvious thing is line length, a significantly smaller line should be quicker. But still take a look at the other people waiting, will they pass through quickly?
Some of the things you should look for are people with lots of luggage (more screening time per person). Families with small kids (It may take longer to organise belongings and look after children. Also they may have a pushchair to be screened). Large groups of sports people (they could have sports equipment as well as personal luggage).
So just scan and judge if you think any other passengers will hold up the line. And then hopefully you will spend a bit less time queuing in the line of your choice.
5. Fast Track Airport Security With A Premium Flight Ticket
If you’re lucky enough to have a premium flight ticket such as first, business, or even premium economy class, you will get extra perks. And one of those perks may be access to the airport’s fast track security line.
Even with some budget airlines these days, choosing a specialized fare can give you these perks. This will however be dependent on whether the airport runs this service.
6. Beat Security Lines With Airline Membership
As with having a premium airline ticket, being in possession of an airline membership program can also give you the benefits of joining the priority security line. This can depend on your status level of membership.
If your membership level is high enough you don’t necessarily need a premium ticket to benefit, nor do you have to travel with that airline. As long as the airline you fly with is a partner of the same alliance.
7. Fast Track With Credit Cards
Credit cards offer many perks associated with air travel. Such as lounge access and air miles. But getting cost free access to the priority security line is an available perk some people don’t realize is available.
There are credit cards out there that offer this. But if you have a card with airport and airline rewards already, check to see if you can benefit and save time at security.
8. Book Your Free Place In The Security Line
Save time and money by making an appointment to fast track airport security, at the time of your liking, and for free. Reserve powered by Clear lets you book a time slot in which you can use a dedicated security line that will enable you to be fast tracked straight to the front of the line.
The time slot remains open for about 15 min either side of the booking time and can be booked for up to 5 -10 people. Unfortunately, at present it is only limited to certain airports in North America and a handful in Europe. On the bright side, it has been expanding its reach and plans to continue doing so.
9. Clear Plus
This is a priority security line brought to you by Clear, the same people who run Clear Reserve. It is a paid for service on a yearly basis, and is only available in the USA. It has its own dedicated line, which you enter by first verifying your identity at a kiosk. A member of staff will then lead you to the security screening area. Effectively skipping ahead of the other passengers waiting in the other lines.
Although only worth the price if you use it for regular air travel involving US security, and the airports you will use have Clear lanes installed. There are other benefits, such as the expedited entry of select stadiums in the US.
10. TSA PreCheck
Another paid, US only option, and a popular answer to the question, how to get through airport security faster?
TSA PreCheck involves joining a dedicated line for precheck members, so already less queuing time than the regular line. Then things speed up a bit more, by pretty much walking through security. You see, you don’t have to remove any items of clothing or anything from your luggage, just as long as everything is packed within the rules. This is because after signing up you have to attend an appointment at an enrollment center. Here you will be verified, and deemed a low risk passenger, enabling speedy access through security.
Over 200 airports and more than 80 airlines enable you to use the scheme. A one off payment gives you 5 years of access.
11. One Off Payment To Fast Track Airport Security
An option at individual airports around the world. Most common in Europe, and especially popular at the majority of UK airports.
A one time payment is made to access a priority fast track security line. Even with security procedures being the same as the standard screening areas, if used during peak times will reduce the amount of time waiting. All will vary in cost, and when you can book. Some will give you the option of paying at the airport. A quick look on the website for the airport you are flying from should tell you if the service is available.
Also, some airlines, including the budget ones, will let you pay for this when booking flights.
There you have it, many different options for you to attempt to cut down the wait at airport security. Soon you will be sitting back, relaxed, and ready for onward travel, and the adventures that go with it.
Jim Francis is the creator of Get Ready Travelers. Having traveled regularly for many years, Jim says that going to the airport and flying on a plane, is still among the top highlights of travel for him.