by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Wed September 20, 2017
In today's age of tightened security and an increased number of travelers, the lines at the airport are getting longer and longer. Travelers are building in time by arriving hours ahead of their flight time, just to give them time to get through the lines.
There has to be a better way, right?
Actually, these travel agents provide several hacks that can help you to shorten the wait each time you're at the airport.
"Never fly the day before the holiday," said Katiana Jolimeau of Trips Travel Agency in Virginia. "For example, on a regular day you can breeze through the security lines at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, but on a holiday that same security line that takes five minutes is now forty minutes."
Jolimeau also checks in online with her airline and obtains a mobile boarding pass if available: "That way, I only have to go to the bag drop and then security."
Samarah Meil suggests that travelers pack light.
"If you're able to pack only a carry-on, that helps with lines for check-in and baggage drop-off," said Meil of Amarillo Travel Network in Amarillo, Texas.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Minneapolis TSA Agents Failed 95% of Security Tests[/READMORE]
She also uses the Mobile Passport app as well, which speeds you through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at one cruise port and 24 airports around the nation.
"This can reduce your time waiting for customs/immigration even if you do not have options like Global Entry," Meil said.
Global Entry expedites the screening and processing of low-risk, international travelers entering the United States. You need to be approved, but the process is well worth it. Apply with a non-refundable $100 application fee, and you will go through a background check and a quick interview and fingerprinting.
Then a few months later you will go through another interview. If you are approved, you will receive an approval number that's good for five years.
Margie Lenau has Global Entry which includes TSA PreCheck. The TSA pre-check can be purchased for $85 and is good for five years if you travel domestically.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Is This the Future of Airport Security?[/READMORE]
"It enables me to use a shorter line with faster screening," said Lenau, with Wonderland Family Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
"I also carry my driver's license in a phone pocket for easy access on domestic flights. In order to get through the TSA PreCheck line faster, have your liquids in a one-quart bag out and ready, do not wear metal, empty your pockets, take off your shoes and have your ticket and ID ready."
Lenau also said that if you fly frequently or have an airline credit card, elite status in the airline's reward program can also get you and a companion through faster.
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