Travelling can be stressful, especially when you have to be somewhere at a specific time, and this isn’t helped by having to pass through airport security. But this doesn’t always have to be a stressful part of your trip, in fact it can be quite easy, so here are my 5 top tips for navigating airport security.

1) Leave Plenty of Time

A lot of airports advise you to arrive at least three hours before you flight which gives you plenty of time to get through security and to your gate. If you are a seasoned traveller or know that the airport will be quieter at the time of your visit you could arrive with less time, but the general agreed cut off is one hour before your flight.

 By leaving plenty of time for security, you are prepared for any potential hold ups, such as long queues, your bag getting stopped, or you needing to be scanned again.

2) Remove Any Prohibited Items Beforehand

This may seem obvious, but it is so easy for something to slip through the cracks when you’re rushing. I have seen so many people forget that they have a bottle of water in their bags (I’ve done it myself!) because they were in such a rush that morning.

To avoid any mistakes when you’re packing, I’d recommend checking the restrictions and making sure your bag is completely empty before you begin packing.

3) Have Your Liquids Ready to Take Out

Don’t be that person who holds everyone up because they don’t have everything ready. Also, for me, I find it a little embarrassing if I have to root through all of my belongings to find that one little bag while everyone behind me is waiting.

To avoid this situation, I like to have all of my toiletries (and whatever else classes as a liquid) already in the little see through bag before heading to security and that it is at the very top of my hand luggage or within easy reach. This means that when I get a tray it will take me maybe two minutes max to take my liquids out.

4) Remove the Clothing and Shoes as Requested

A lot (if not all) of airports require you to remove certain types of shoes and clothing such as boots and zip up hoodies. If this is the case make sure to remove these items and leave them in your tray, otherwise you will hold yourself and everyone else up either by having to return to the trays to remove them or setting the scanners off as you walk through.

Personally, I like having a hoodie or zip up jacket with me when travelling because they’re warm and comfy after a day in the sun (and its one of the bulkier items in my luggage), therefore I make sure to remove my jacket straight after putting my bag down so that I always remember to do it before sending my tray off.

This is also part of the reason why I almost exclusively travel in my trainers. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my boots, but it’s so much quicker and easier to not have to take them off and put them back on again. Add on the fact that in my opinion nothing beats them for comfort!

5) Don’t Try to Carry Your Valuables Through

I have seen so many people try to carry their passport through the scanners or forget that they have items in their pockets. This just means that you’ll set the alarms off and whatever you’re holding onto will have to go through separately while you get checked, or if you’re lucky and security spot you before you try to walk through the scanners, you’ll have to return to the trays which in itself takes up time.

It can be really nerve-wracking to send your valuables off in a tray without you because they are then out of your sight, in an unfamiliar location, but it is a necessity if you are wanting a quick and easy trip through security. Also, in my experience, so long as you don’t get stopped you should reach the other end at roughly the same time as your tray if not before it.

Conclusion

Several people that I asked mentioned that one of their tips would be to pay for fast-track security, and that might be the case for some of you too. But, for me, I have never needed to do so, and if you are wanting to travel on a budget this isn’t always an option.

Also, make sure that you are familiar with your specific airports requirements, as they may need you there at a specific time or have their own list of items that have to go through their scanners separately to your other items (such as electronics).

By following the five tips I’ve mentioned and listening to all of the instructions from security personnel will make your trip through security relatively easy. Is there anything you would add to this list? Or is there anything on my list that you’d disagree with?