13 Airport Security Secrets That Save You Time Every Trip

Thinking about how to start traveling more, but dreading the airport security lines? You're not alone. With the TSA screening around 3 million passengers every day at more than 440 airports, it's no surprise that getting through security can feel like a chore.

The good news? A little planning can go a long way. These 13 actionable strategies will help you breeze through airport security like a pro, so you can spend less time in line and more time enjoying your destination.

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Efficiently navigating TSA security begins with booking your ticket. For security reasons, the name on your airline ticket must exactly match the one on your government-issued identification. One exception to the rule is the use of suffixes, like "Jr." or "Sr."

Before travel day, double-check your booking confirmation and ID to ensure your names match. If you see a discrepancy, check your airline's policy, as many allow minor corrections if requested early.

Bringing your own food is a smart way to keep up your energy and avoid purchasing expensive meals and snacks at the airport. Be sure you know which food items are allowed through the security checkpoint.

The rule of thumb is that anything solid (such as sandwiches, granola bars, and packaged snacks) is generally okay, whereas anything liquid or gel (including anything spreadable, squeezable, or spoonable) is not. Check TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool before you pack to save time and money on travel day.

PreCheck and CLEAR+ are two membership programs that help you move through physical security and ID verification faster. PreCheck is run by TSA and allows you to use a separate line. You may also keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and liquids and electronics in your bag. About 99% of passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck are screened within just 10 minutes.

CLEAR+ is a private program that helps you bypass the ID check line with a biometric verification (face, fingers, or eye). There are over 150 CLEAR+ lanes at 58 airports nationwide. Interested passengers can enroll in CLEAR+ online or at a nearby airport. You can also bundle your membership with PreCheck.

Even without enrollment in PreCheck, travelers aged 75 years and older may still be eligible to receive benefits that expedite airport security. While it's not guaranteed, you may be able to go through the PreCheck line or keep your shoes on in the regular line to pass through faster.

The MyTSA app is your go-to source for questions, from real-time security wait times and airport delays to last-minute packing. Download the app to check for flight delays, terminal closures, and TSA PreCheck availability.

The left security line is your best bet to get through security faster. This is because when given a choice, most people intuitively opt for the right lane, since 85 to 90% are right-handed and follow their dominant hand. Instead of automatically following the people in front of you, consider heading left.

You'll need your government-issued ID and boarding pass to clear airport security and board your flight. Ensure you have these documents ready to present as you approach the TSA officer. If you're planning to use a state-issued driver's license, make sure it is REAL ID-compliant to avoid delays.

Pack your carry-on bag according to TSA's 3-1-1 rule: any liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less; all must fit in one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and each passenger is allowed one bag. 

Keep your plastic bag at the top of your carry-on and place it in the security bin separately at the checkpoint.

If you're traveling with prescription medical liquids and/or medications larger than 3.4 ounces, carry them in the original labeled packaging. Consider bringing a doctor's certificate in case of additional screening. 

If you wear an insulin pump, glucose monitor, or other medical device on your body, you should also let the TSA officer know.

The clothes you wear on travel day can help reduce your wait time in the security line. Choose slip-on shoes and avoid boots or shoes with thick soles or heavy hardware that can trigger metal detectors. The same applies to clothing with metal buttons or belt buckles.

All of your pockets must be empty when you pass through a security checkpoint. Even a tissue or a coin can trigger additional screening. Use your time waiting in the security line to remove all items from your pockets and place them into your carry-on bag before reaching the bins.

Computers, tablets, e-readers, and other personal electronic devices larger than your cell phone must be placed individually in a separate bin for X-ray screening. To avoid scrambling to find them, keep all electronics at the top or in an outer compartment of your bag.

TSA screens about 1.3 million checked bags each day. This screening may include a physical search of your bag. 

If your luggage is locked, use a TSA-approved lock so that TSA agents can open it with a master key during screening. You may avoid damage to your bag and delays to your schedule.

Travel days don't have to feel overwhelming. With these 13 tried-and-true strategies, you can clear airport security screening faster and easier, turning a frustrating part of flying into a stress-free part of the journey.

If you have a disability, medical condition, or unique travel need, TSA Cares offers personalized assistance. Call their toll-free hotline at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight to coordinate support to make your experience smoother and more accommodating. And while you're preparing for a more seamless journey, don't forget to bring your top travel credit cards to maximize rewards on every purchase along the way.