How to Breeze Through Airport Security
Travelling can be stressful. Airports can be stressful. Airport security can be stressful. If you are not a frequent flyer, and do not have much experience in airports, then clearing security can be demanding. But, it doesn’t have to be!
After working security at a major Canadian airport for over 2 years, and doing my fair share of travelling I have pretty much got the process down to make sure I can get through the security line as quickly as possible!
Of course, there is always the possibility of unforeseen challenges that are beyond your control, but as for the things you CAN control, I found that these tips help me breeze through the process.
1. Arrive at the Airport Early
I know this information is pretty much broadcasted everywhere, but it is true! Even though arriving 2-3 hours before your flight can seem excessive, it is always better to be early and get through check-in and security so you can relax with a drink while you wait to board your flight! As I said before, unforeseen challenges can arise at any moment and you want to ensure you have enough time to deal with them.
You can also always check the current wait times at the airport you are departing from.
2. Check in Online
Checking in for your flight online and getting your boarding pass can save you a lot of time at the counters. This is important ESPECIALLY if you are not checking in a bag! No checked bag and a boarding pass means you can completely skip the airline’s line and head right to security!
3. Dress Comfortably
When travelling, I always opt for a pair of sweatpants, hoodie, and sneakers. Not only is this a lot more comfortable to sit in for hours cramped in the middle seat of a plane, but it is practical for the screening process. If you are flying domestically (Canada) and wearing sneakers, you do not need to remove your shoes (and who really wants to walk in sock feet on the airport floor?). No belts, large buttons, bulky jackets, or hats means you won’t have to take off any clothing before walking through the metal detector.
If you are travelling to or within the US, it is mandatory to remove your shoes. Wear easily removable shoes to speed up your screening process.
4. Don’t Pack Large Liquids
Any liquids, gels, or aerosols that exceed 100ml or 100g are not permitted with you on the aircraft. These items should always be packed in your checked luggage. Not only is there a limit for size in individual items, there is also a limit in total. All your liquids under 100ml MUST all fit comfortably in a 1L bag. You can get plastic bags at the airport, but if you want to be prepared ahead of time you can find a clear, reusable 1L toiletry bag.
Something else to note that I feel a lot of people do not know, is that the airport considers anything that is spreadable as a liquid. This includes, peanut butter, cream/lotion, jam, honey, shampoo/conditioner, glue, etc. If it can easily be spread it is considered a liquid and must be under 100ml to travel with you in your carry-on baggage.
Always remove your liquids bag from your carry-on and place it in the bin.
5. Always Remove Large Electronics from Your Bag
As you are loading your personal items in the bins to go through the x-ray it is important to remove any large electronics you have from your bags and from their sleeves or cases (protective cases are usually fine, no need to remove your OtterBox!). These items should be placed in a separate bin on their own. Placing jackets or other items over them will cause your bin to be pulled aside, separated, and run through the x-ray again.
Large electronics include:
Laptops
Sleep Apnea Machines
Gaming Systems (Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation, etc.)
iPad or Tablets
eReaders
DVD Players (if these even exist anymore!)
Typically, the rule is any electronic device larger than your cell phone.
6. Ensure Pockets are Empty
Before entering the line for the metal detector or full body scanner (FBS) ensure everything is removed from your pockets. Even Kleenex can set off the FBS and subject you to a physical search by a screening officer.
7. Always Check the Prohibited Items List
There are just some items that are not allowed on an airplane. It’s always a good idea to review the prohibited items list and pack your bags accordingly. The list linked here gives you the ability to search for specific items and it will tell you if the item is permitted in either your carry-on or checked luggage.
CONNECT WITH ME
~
CONNECT WITH ME ~
8. Do Not Pack Sharps
Travel days are a good time to leave that pocket knife you carry on yourself everyday at home. No knives, box cutters, scissors, or razor blades that can be removed from their cartridges are not permitted in your carry-on luggage.
9. Pets
If you are travelling with a pet in the cabin, there are a few things you can do to make the screening process go smoother. Always have a leash or carrier with your pet, this will help with the screening process.
If you have a smaller pet that can easily be carried, remove your pet from their carrier. The carrier, collar, and any toys or clothing with the animal can all be placed in a bin and sent through the x-ray. You will carry your pet through the metal detector and a screening officer will perform some additional physical screening on both you and the animal.
If you have a pet that is a flight risk, you can inform the screening officer at the front and they will arrange for your pet to be bypassed and taken into a separate room with a door that can be closed. In that room, the animal will be removed and the carrier and animal will be physically searched with you present.
If you have a large animal with you, the best thing to do would be to keep them on their leash. If possible, they can walk through the metal detector on their own and will be subject to additional screening after.
10. Keep your Luggage Unlocked
For your carry on and personal items it is better to keep them unlocked when going through the screening process. After you are clear, feel free to lock them up!
Note: if you are locking any luggage make sure the lock is TSA/CATSA approved!
11. Keep Boarding Pass Accessible
With the amount of times you need to show your boarding pass while going through security, it’s good to keep it accessible. Keep your phone or paper boarding pass on you through the entire screening process (until you have to put your items through the x-ray). Digging for it in your purse all the time is not going to be fun!
12. Pack Smart
There will be some items that will need to be removed from your bag for screening (which we already talked about). Keep these items in easily accessible places to make unpacking and repacking your bag easy and stress-free.
13. Make Sure You Have Valid ID
This is more of a tip to keep your entire airport experience smooth. To board a flight you need a current (non-expired) piece of government-issued photo ID.
Always make sure the name on your boarding pass matches the name on your ID – if it does not, inform an airline employee right away.
You cannot fly with an expired ID and you cannot fly internationally if your passport will be expiring within 6 months. For a full list of ID requirements, you can check out the government website.
14. Special Requirements
There are many different circumstances in which you may not proceed through traditional screening. If you have a special requirement, I highly suggest you review the government website so you can be prepared for what will occur at the airport. Some special requirements include:
Pacemakers
Artificial/replaced joints or limbs
If you are ever unsure about what the procedures are for certain items and you did not find it listed in the resources above, the best option would be to contact CATSA or TSA directly.
Well, there you have it! My personal top list of tricks and tips to make your airport security experience as painless as possible. There will always be things that happen outside of our control, but for those things we can control, it is best to always be prepared!
Just remember, the agents working are just doing their jobs. They are here to make sure that you and everyone else boarding a plane today are going to have a safe flight and get to your destination unharmed. Always treat people with kindness and patience, and if you are unsure about something, just ask!
Happy Travelling!
Follow Me on Instagram
