The best ways to get through TSA security lines smoothly
The Transportation Security Administration screens around 4 million passengers per day at 450 U.S. airports. In 2023 alone, the agency processed more than 858 million passengers, 484 million checked bags and 1.9 billion carry-on items.
Going through a TSA checkpoint is not exactly pleasant for most travelers. Most simply want to get through a TSA airport security checkpoint as quickly as possible. Thankfully, there are ways you can cut the time you spend at security checkpoints.
Here are tips to help you fly through airport security without delays.
Sign up for TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck gives travelers access to a separate expedited security line. In this lane, travelers do not have to remove their shoes, light outerwear and belts. The program also lets you keep your laptop and any 3-1-1-compliant liquids and gels in your carry-on bag. TSA PreCheck costs anywhere between $77 and $85 (depending on the issuer) and is valid for five years. After applying and paying the fee, travelers will then go to an approved facility for an interview. Pro tip: TSA PreCheck is included in the cost of Global Entry.
Related: TSA PreCheck adds 2 carriers to program, bringing total to 104 participating airlines
Check your credit card to see if it’s one of the many cards that offer statement credits to cover the TSA PreCheck application fee. After you purchase TSA PreCheck, certain cards will reimburse travelers for the cost of the program and for renewal.
Among the popular cards that feature this benefit are:
Related: Best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
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Currently, about 99% of TSA PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes to get through airport security, according to the TSA. However, your TSA PreCheck experience will heavily depend on the airport you’re departing from, as well as the airline you will be flying. Over 100 domestic and foreign airlines participate in the program.
Apply for Clear Plus membership
Available in 58 U.S. airports, Clear Plus screens travelers using bio-identifying markers such as fingerprints or iris scans, allowing subscribers to keep IDs in their wallets. Once their identity is verified, passengers are escorted to the front of the TSA security checkpoint line. A yearlong membership costs $189, and you can add up to three adults to your account for $99 each. Check your American Express credit card — it may cover Clear Plus’ annual fee.
Related: What is Clear airport security — and is it worth it?
Delta Air Lines Diamond Medallion and Delta 360 members get a free membership; Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members pay $159; and general members pay $189. United Airlines Premier 1K and Global Services members get a free membership. Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum members and United U.S. credit card holders pay $159, and general members pay $189.
Download the MyTSA app
The MyTSA app, available via iTunes and Google Play, includes features that allow users to:
- Check what items they can and can’t bring through security
- Find checkpoint delay information at airports nationwide
- See how busy an airport is likely to be on your travel day and time, based on historical data
- View the TSA’s travel checklist on how to prepare for and get through security quickly
- See which airports and airlines support TSA PreCheck
- Ask for live assistance from TSA via social media
Be prepared
Before you reach the TSA officer, have your boarding pass and government ID in hand and ready to inspect. If you are passing through a regular TSA line, you will have to remove your laptop and liquids from your bag, so it’s not a bad idea to have them placed in your bag in a way that’s easily accessible.
Dress appropriately
Travelers can slow things down by wearing complicated shoes or boots, belts and layers of clothing that are difficult to remove — be sure your pockets aren’t holding any metal objects like keys. Consider wearing slip-on loafers, minimizing the amount of jewelry you wear, dressing with fewer layers and emptying your pockets before entering the security line.
Put everything in its place
As you go through screening, place things such as bags, jackets, shoes, tablets and laptops in the large trays that the TSA provides. There will usually also be smaller, dog bowl-shaped bowls available for items such as watches, jewelry and smartphones. Resist the temptation to take photos of how you arrange your items in trays — you run the risk of holding up the line for everyone.
Bag your liquids
The TSA requires passengers to carry liquids of 3 ounces or less in quart-size plastic bags. If you carry larger bottles that aren’t in a regulation-size bag, your items may be confiscated and your bags will have to be rescanned, costing you precious time. On a related side note, empty your water bottle before arriving at the checkpoint — you may be forced to throw out reusable water bottles if they are full of liquid at the checkpoint.
Related: TSA liquids rule: What to know about 3-1-1 before you head to the airport
Have proper ID
You will need a Real ID in order to board a plane beginning May 7, 2025. But for now, acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, passport, Global Entry card or U.S. military ID. If you don’t have one, be prepared for a time-consuming identity verification process and a thorough search of your carry-on bags.
Related: Act now: The Real ID deadline is less than a year away
Use TSA Cares for extra help
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides assistance to travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. The agency recommends that passengers call 866-289-9673 a full 72 hours before travel if they have questions about screening policies, procedures or what people with disabilities and medical conditions can expect at security checkpoints. Travelers may also request a Passenger Support Specialist by calling the TSA Cares hotline. Wounded Warriors, passengers who wear specific religious clothing (such as head coverings) and passengers who may have trouble understanding checkpoint procedures are also qualified to use TSA Cares services.
Pack food and gifts properly
When traveling, you may bring gifts or food to your final destination. If you don’t want to throw them away, check the TSA website or the MyTSA app to see what items are approved. Pies and cakes can be taken through the security checkpoint but are subject to additional screening. And while you can bring wrapped gifts through the checkpoint, TSA officers may unwrap them to take a closer look inside, so it’s a good idea to place presents in gift bags or ship them by mail instead.
Related: 4 things the TSA really doesn’t want you to bring on an airplane
Bottom line
As travel returns to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, the TSA continues to process record numbers of passengers, which can lead to delays. By following these tips, you’ll spend less time in airport security checkpoints and have an overall better airport experience.
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