Airport security doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can breeze through checkpoints and start your trip on a positive note. Here are our top 10 tips.

1. Get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR

This is the single best investment for frequent travelers:

• TSA PreCheck ($85 for 5 years): Keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. Leave laptops and liquids in your bag.
• CLEAR ($189/year): Skip the document check line entirely using biometric screening.
• Global Entry ($100 for 5 years): Includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs for international travel.

2. Wear Security-Friendly Clothing

• Slip-on shoes without metal components
• Avoid belts with large metal buckles
• Skip excessive jewelry
• Wear fitted clothing (baggy clothes may require additional screening)
• Consider compression socks instead of regular socks for long flights

3. Pack Your Liquids Properly

The 3-1-1 rule:

• 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container
• 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic bag
• 1 bag per passenger

Pro tip: Keep your liquids bag easily accessible at the top of your carry-on.

4. Organize Your Carry-On Strategically

• Place laptop and large electronics where you can quickly remove them
• Keep liquids bag at the top
• Store any items you'll need to remove in outer pockets
• Avoid overpacking—a bulging bag takes longer to screen

5. Empty Your Pockets Before You Get in Line

Put everything in your bag before reaching the checkpoint:

• Phone and wallet
• Keys and coins
• Gum wrappers and receipts
• Tissues and chapstick

6. Know What to Remove (and What You Can Keep)

Standard Screening (Remove):

• Shoes
• Belt
• Laptop and large electronics
• Liquids bag
• Jacket or outerwear

TSA PreCheck (Keep On):

• Shoes
• Belt
• Light jacket
• Laptop in bag
• Liquids in bag

7. Choose the Right Line

• Look for lines with experienced travelers (business attire, laptop bags)
• Avoid lines with large families or groups
• TSA PreCheck lines are usually on the far left or right
• Some airports have dedicated bins for families—those lines move slower

8. Be Ready When It's Your Turn

• Have your ID and boarding pass in hand
• Know which bins you need
• Move efficiently through the process
• Don't wait until you reach the bins to start preparing

9. Know the Rules for Special Items

• Food: Solid food is allowed; some items may need separate screening
• Medications: Allowed in reasonable quantities; inform TSA of any liquid medications
• Baby items: Formula, breast milk, and baby food are exempt from 3-1-1 rule
• Electronics: Tablets smaller than laptops can stay in your bag

10. Use Technology to Your Advantage

• Check TSA wait times on their app or website
• Use our Airport Busyness Predictor to plan your arrival
• Download your boarding pass to your phone
• Sign up for flight notifications

Bonus: If You Get Selected for Additional Screening

Don't panic—it's often random. Stay calm, be polite, and it typically only adds a few minutes.

The Bottom Line

Preparation is key to a smooth security experience. The more you fly, the more automatic these habits become. And always check our predictor before you travel to know what kind of crowds to expect!