How to Get Through TSA Faster: Going Through Security Like a Pro

A step-by-step guide to walking through security and staying calm

Co-authored by Stef Katz

Last Updated: March 11, 2023 References Approved

If you’re dreading going through security for your next flight, you’re not alone. The long lines and numerous rules can make packing and traveling a headache, but it doesn’t have to be a drag. When you brush up on the TSA guidelines on what to bring, dress comfortably, and know what to expect, you can soar through the line with confidence. We’ve put together a list of everything you need to know and do to get through airport security smoothly. Let’s get flying!

Steps

1
Pack light and follow TSA guidelines on sizes, quantity, and restrictions. First, pack only what you need to survive; second, what you need to do first; and third, what you need to do last. If you question anything you're packing, then don't pack it. You'd be better safe than sorry. Remember that you can most likely buy it from where you're going. If not, and you don't need it to survive, then don't worry about it.^{[1]
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2
Be prepared. Before you get to the airport, take the necessary precautions to make your experience as simple as possible.^{[2]
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U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
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- Wear practical shoes. Slip-on shoes will be easier to remove quickly. Of course, make sure they are comfortable enough for standing in long security lines. If you're under 13 or above 75, you can wear any types of shoes, as long they don't set off the metal detector or millimeter wave scanner.^{[3]
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  Trustworthy Source
  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  Go to source}
- Avoid metallic clothing or accessories, as you will have to remove these before going through a metal detector. The same applies to metal items in your pockets.
- Package liquids and gels appropriately. All liquids in your carry-on bag must be in bottles of three ounces or less, and all these bottles must then be placed in a clear, quart-size, zip-style plastic bag. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including milk for infants and liquid medications, but be sure to check before you pack anything.
- Pack your belongings in an organized way, so that if there is a problem, they can open your bag, check things out, and move on.
- Avoid contraband. Check beforehand to make sure that anything you will bring along, whether in your checked luggage or your carry-on, is allowed on the plane. Otherwise, you may be forced to throw these items away or even face questioning and/or prosecution.
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3
Have your boarding pass and Photo ID (driver's license or passport) in your hand prior to getting in the security line. The line, although long at times, can move quickly, and seasoned travelers can get irritated with anyone that holds up the line digging for the necessary papers.
- There are different ways to get your boarding pass. You can get it from the airline's website.
- Pull it up on your phone in the airline's app.
- Or you can print it at the airport.
4
Pay close attention to directions while you wait in line. It pays to see what other passengers forget.
5
Put your boarding pass and ID away as soon as they've been checked. Keep your boarding pass in your pocket, as it will be screened again, but put your ID back into your bag to keep it secure.
6
Remove the necessary items from your carry-on as soon as you get to the belt. Place these items, along with your carry-on, directly on the belt or in the provided bins. Most airports require that you remove any plastic bags full of liquids and any laptops from your carry-on bag, but be sure to follow instructions. If you have completed a "TSA PRE CHECK", then don't remove your 311s from your bag or your laptop from its case.^{[4]
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7
Make removing your shoes easy. The TSA requires passengers to remove their shoes when passing through the metal detector. There is not much room to squat down. People will try to pass around you, and benches are inconveniently far from your bags. Wear shoes that you can slip off without bending down or undo your laces before getting in line and tuck them into your shoe. This way, you will be able to slip them off easily to be placed on the X-ray belt. If you're under 13, keep your shoes on while walking through the metal detector, unless they have metal on them. Also, if you're over 75, you can your shoes on. Keep your shoes on if you have completed a TSA PRE CHECK.^{[5]
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Remove all necessary clothing and accessories from your body. Take off any metal objects, as well as jackets and hats, depending on the airport. If you're under 13, over 75, or in TSA PRE CHECK, leave your jackets on unless if they have metal. Kids under 13 can leave their hats on.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
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U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
Go to source}
9
Stay calm before your flight. Don't think about work, bills, or anything that could stress you out. Think about the adventure you're about to have or just had, and how long you're going to remember it for.
10
Don't be afraid of the security guards. Be polite and respectful, and do as you're told. Remember, if you don't have anything illegal on you, you're good. The security guards are there for your safety, not to scare you. If you don't have TSA PRE CHECK or anything that is "faster" than a regular line, you will have to take your shoes off and wait a little longer. This is nothing to stress about; it just adds to the safety of your flight.
11
Step through the metal detector or millimeter wave scanner when an employee of the airport waves you through. If you are selected for additional screening, comply immediately and politely. Tell security if you have any piercings or surgical implants, or any metal in or on your body that you can't remove. Remember to take off all jewelry that is metallic and lay it in the component bins that will be traveling into the X-ray machine.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
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U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
Go to source}
- When passing through the millimeter wave scanner, place your feet on the marked spots on the floor, put your hands up in the air, and hold still. You may elect to skip the millimeter wave scanner and instead receive a full body pat-down. You can also elect to be screened by an officer of a specific sex or gender and to be screened in private.
12
Try not to be noticeably stressed out. This makes you look suspicious like you have something to hide. In your head, tell yourself "I have nothing to hide" repeatedly.
- Don't be worried if you are taken for a round of questioning. It is the job of airport security to determine and assess the risk of passengers passing through. Be honest while you are answering the questions, but do not hesitate to invoke the right to remain silent if they appear to be asking questions about a crime.
13
Tell the security guards that security checks make you nervous. It's okay to be nervous for a serious TSA check. They will most likely try to help you in any way you need or reassure you. They are people too, and you aren't the first person to be stressed by security.
14
Collect your belongings and put them away. Making sure you have everything you need. Leave the security area quickly, making way for other passengers.

Community Q&A

Question

Where do you put your iPad?

Community Answer

Most likely, airport security will ask you to put your iPad and other electronic devices (laptops etc.) into the tray, though this varies by airport. Some will allow them to stay in your bag.
Question

Can I wear partial dentures through TSA or must I remove them?

Community Answer

You could call the airline to make sure or tell security when you arrive to make sure they know what to do. It will most likely depend on if there are metal brackets on your partial or not.
Question

Does airport security now accept boarding passes on electronic devices? If so, how does one get the boarding pass to appear on their cell phone?

Community Answer

Most Airport have boarding pass scanners. If you want to get your electronic boarding pass you need to have the respected carrier's app on your phone.

Warnings

Don't make any jokes, especially those that relate to bombs or terrorists, when going through security. Airlines are required to take possible threats seriously, and you could get into huge trouble.

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Keep your boarding pass and passport handy. Do not put them in the checked in luggage, as this will cause a lot of problems.

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Listen to any security screener instructions and do as they say. Remember that all this security is to help keep you safe.

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Be prepared for searches on certain kinds of connecting flights, such as if you are flying standby and must get off, claim baggage and check in at a gate to get onto the next leg of your trip!

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