Every holiday season, travellers have to go through understaffed checkpoints and too long queues. Waiting in the line to get through security and hoping you can make it to your flight can be downright agonising. Especially if you are running late, the whole situation can get extremely stressful. But as a savvy traveller, here are a few hacks that will help mitigate your stress and emerge from the herd.
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1. Become An Elite Member
Getting an elite membership of an airline can do much more than just help you save on flight tickets. You can use your membership to get priority in security lines. Most domestic and international airlines offer this benefit to passengers with an elite membership. Here are 7 Best Apps To Score Free Hotel Stays, Food, Cashbacks & More.
2. Invest In A TSA-Approved Laptop Bag
You must have stocked up on lots of cool travel accessories, but a TSA-Approved Laptop Bag can be a total win. With a TSA bag, you will not have to take the pain of removing your laptop and other gadgets from your carry-on and put it in a separate bin. Simply place the bag on the belt and let it go through the scanner.
3. Do A Web Check-In
Sure, web-checking has become mandatory during the pandemic but make it a regular travel practice. Once you have the boarding pass on your phone, you can skip the whole check-in process. Just drop your luggage in the counter and avoid the check-in line completely. This way, you will get through your security faster. Eating At The Airport During Pandemic: Tips To Handle Food Safely.
4. Keep Your Pockets Empty
Before you reach the screening line, be sure to empty your pockets and place your belongings in a bin to go through the scanner. Instead of keeping your phone and wallet in your carry on, could you put them in your pocket? This will ensure that you waste less time in security.
5. Fly At Odd Timings
The best way to avoid long airport queues is by avoiding peak flying times. Book your flight in odd hours, either very early in the morning or late at night. Often, the flight tickets are also cheap at odd hours. You will not only save your airfare but will expedite your security screening process. Here are 8 Tips For Parents Travelling With Kid Amid The Pandemic.
6. Pick A Faster-Moving Line
If you are not a privileged or elite member of an airline, observe and get into the faster-moving lines. Lines with more business travellers are shorter than lines with families. Another great tip is to get to a line on your left, as most people tend to turn right.
7. Take Off Your Outer Layers Before It Is Your Turn
Don’t wait until you get to the front of the screening to remove your belt and jacket. Remove your jacket as soon as you get to the line for your boarding pass and ID check. This will help you and the others behind you get through the security lines faster. A good tip is to wear something without a belt.
Also, be sure to pack your liquid last so you can easily pull it out when it is your turn to go through the security.