Your experience at airport security can often set the tone for your trip. When well-prepared for the TSA checkpoint, you can breeze through the scanner, be on your way within minutes, and feel like luck is on your side. With the extra time you have, you can purchase snacks for your flight, hit up a lounge, or relax at your gate knowing you’re not about to miss your flight. However, if you get delayed at security with long lines you didn’t account for, your trip can begin on a stressful note. If you’re not looking to waste your time standing in line, there are airport security secrets you need to know.
One of the best ways to get through airport security faster is to ask around for “secret” security checkpoints. Now, this isn’t some top secret passageway that you’ll be led through via a hidden doorway, but rather a checkpoint tucked away in plain sight, open to the public, that other travelers may have missed. Most travelers will follow the flow to where everyone else is heading, which is usually the checkpoint nearest to you.
This can often be the cause of long lines, but if you venture a little further, you may discover another checkpoint not as busy, or one that you may not have known even existed. If you utilize this hack, keep in mind you may have to walk quite a bit before finding a security checkpoint with a low wait time. Be sure to ask airport staff, as they will know the best way to direct you. In some cases, you may need to travel to a different floor and, sometimes, a different terminal. As annoying as this may be, it beats having to wait behind a huge crowd of people.
Use an expedited lane without paying extra
There are a plethora of airport hacks to remember before your next flight, but mastering going through security may be the most important. Many hacks go beyond the perks you have to pay for, such as TSA Precheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR. For example, one way you can access an expedited security lane is through a program called Reserve powered by CLEAR. If you’re flying through an airport that offers this service, you can book a time slot in advance for your security screening and skip the longer general line without paying a dime.
How you sign up for this service varies from airport to airport. Some airports, like Denver International Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport, let you reserve your spot up to three days in advance. Other airports, like Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, offer a few more days. There are also a limited number of slots available each day, so you can guarantee the line won’t be backed up.
To reserve your slot, you can use the CLEAR app or book online. All you need to do after is select your destination, your flight, and the number of people in your party. From there, you’ll be presented with available time slots and which checkpoints they’re located at. Once booked, you’ll be given a QR code to scan at the appropriate checkpoint lane. Don’t be discouraged if there aren’t any slots available when you first try to book. In my experience, something usually opens up at the last minute as people cancel or miss their reservation, so keep checking back. Reserve powered by CLEAR is a great way to breeze through security without paying extra. The only downside is that it’s only available at a handful of airports across North America and Europe.
