How can I get through airport security faster?

The fastest ways through airport security: (1) Get TSA PreCheck — keeps shoes on, no laptop out, no liquids bag out, dedicated faster lane. (2) Prepare before the line: liquids bag at top of bag, metal items moved to your bag, boarding pass open. (3) Laptop in its own bin (standard lanes). (4) Choose the business traveler lane over the family lane when available. (5) Wear slip-on shoes to avoid the time cost of removing and re-lacing.

Airport Security Tips: Get Through TSA Faster (2026)

Security screening is the single biggest variable in airport transit time. These habits cut 10–20 minutes off the average checkpoint.

Before You Get to the Checkpoint

Have your boarding pass and ID ready — Don't wait until you're at the ID check to open the app. Download the pass to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for offline access.
Wear easy-to-remove shoes — Slip-ons or shoes without laces save 30–60 seconds at standard lanes. PreCheck lets you keep shoes on.
Put your 3-1-1 liquids bag at the top of your carry-on — Easy access means less time fumbling at the bin.
Move metal items to your bag before the line — Keys, coins, belt, phone: into your bag or jacket pocket before you approach the conveyor belt.
Charge your laptop and phone — TSA may ask you to turn on a device to prove it works. A dead battery can mean secondary screening.

At the TSA Checkpoint

Laptop out of the bag (standard lanes) — Your laptop needs its own bin. Tablet computers do not need to come out in most cases; TSA focuses on full-size laptops.
Food in a separate bin — TSA's current guidance recommends putting food in its own bin (or at least on top of your bag). Cluttered bags with food get flagged more often for secondary checks.
Watch the X-ray belt — Don't let your bin go through before you're ready to walk through the body scanner. Bins left unattended are a theft risk at busy airports.
Choose the line without families if you're solo — Family lanes are often slower. Business traveler lanes (usually on the left at major airports) move faster.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

Water bottles with water still in them — must be empty; fill after security
Wrapped gifts — TSA may unwrap them for inspection; ship gifts or wrap at the destination
Frozen food that has started to thaw — TSA treats partially thawed items as liquids
Oversized portable charger (over 100Wh) without airline pre-approval
Snow globes — treated as liquids by TSA