10 Tips to Help You Speed Through Airport Security

Waiting to get through airport security can ruin the start of your travel plans. Don't let that happen in the future. Read on for tips on how to speed through TSA.

There's no need to wait to receive a clear plastic bag from the airport. 100ml (3.4oz) has become an industry standard and you should pack your liquids at home for a faster journey through airport security. However, make sure the bag is clear!

Instead of trying to load your offline boarding pass with airport Wifi or a bad hotspot, take a screenshot of it on your phone. This saves the image in your photo gallery and then it's available offline.

All airports require you to take out your laptop. After that it can vary quite a bit. Some airports require you to take out your tablet, while others require cameras to be additionally screened. To save you the surprise, assume anything larger than a cellphone needs to be taken out of your carry on.

Stow away your cell phone and any other small personal electronics before the security line. If you have a mobile boarding pass, put your phone in your carry-on, not security bins, after scanning the boarding pass. This will save you from sorting more objects in those bins later on.

One of the easiest ways to avoid the crowds is to fly at an odd time. Booking a flight for the early morning or late at night isn't just cheaper, but faster as well.

Check your toiletries. The common reasoning against checking toiletries has been: "what if my checked bag doesn't make it to my destination?" If you're unlucky and your bag is lost in transit, buy a toothbrush at your destination. Most airports have small general stores. If you are only packing a carry-on, place your toiletries at the top for easy access through security.

Who says you have to keep all your items on while still in line? Do yourself a favor and remove some items before you reach for the security bins.

Even if you don't plan on wearing sandals all the way to your final destination, most slip-ons pack well and putting them on before security will help you cruise past the slow crowds wearing lace-up boots.

There's no need to bring heavy necklaces and large rings through the security line. Pack them in your carry on so you don't have to fumble with them through the x-ray machines.

Packing doesn't need to be as difficult as a game of Tetris. Not overpacking will save you from the headache of having to push 21L of gear into a 20L backpack in additional screening.

For the easiest and fastest security experiences, apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. With either service, most of the previous tips become unneeded. The application isn't free, but it will certainly save time for your future commutes. Plus, TSA PreCheck now includes over 50 airports!