How to Get Through Airport Security Faster: 7 Essential Tips

Airport security can be one of the most stressful parts of any trip. From juggling the group's passports to remembering which bag contains your liquids, it’s easy to feel flustered before you even board your flight.

But don’t worry, getting through airport security doesn’t have to be a race against the clock. With a little bit of preparation, you can breeze through like a pro, leaving more time for some last-minute shopping in duty-free!

What is airport security?

Airport security is one of, if not the most, crucial parts of the travel process. It’s designed to keep passengers safe by screening for anything that could be a potential threat, whether that’s prohibited items or something suspicious.

While it might seem like a bit of a hassle, these security measures are essential for making sure your flight is as safe as possible. The process varies depending on the airport, but generally, you’ll need to go through a few standard checks, like bag and body scans, and show your passport.

What happens in airport security?

When you get to the security checkpoint, there’s a series of steps you’ll go through:

• Show your boarding pass and ID — You’ll need to have your documents ready to either show staff or scan a QR code to get through electronic gates into the security area.
  
  
• Place your carry-on items in a bin — This includes your bag, electronics, liquids, jackets, shoes, or anything else that needs to be scanned.
  
  
• Body scan or metal detector — You’ll walk through a scanner, usually a metal detector or body scan, while your belongings are checked by security staff.
  
  
• Collect your items — Once cleared, pick up your items from the bin and head to the departure lounge.
  
  
• Additional checks — If something triggers an alarm or needs further inspection, you may be asked to step aside for a quick check. But don’t worry, this is all part of the process and shouldn’t hold you up for too long.

What is a fast-track security option?

If you’re looking to speed up the security process, some airports offer a fast-track security option.

This lets you bypass some of the longer queues and head straight to a quicker screening process.

Who is eligible for fast-track security?

Fast-track security isn’t available to everyone, but there are a few ways you can access it.

Fast-track lanes are usually available for an extra fee if you’re flying economy, or included as part of premium services like business or first-class tickets.

7 ways to get through security faster

Airport security doesn’t have to be stressful if you’re prepared. With a few simple tweaks to your routine, you can make the process faster and much smoother.

Here’s how to breeze through security with less hassle:

1. Pack smartly

How you pack your bag can make a huge difference in how quickly you’ll get through security.

By keeping everything organised, you can save time when decanting your items into the bins.

A great tip is to use packing cubes, which help keep everything sectioned, organised, and within easy reach.

2. Be prepared with your documents

Having your documents ready is a simple step that can really help speed things up.

As you make your way toward the security checkpoint, have your boarding pass and passport ready, so you don’t have to fumble around when it’s your turn.

A dedicated travel wallet or clear document holder can keep everything in one place, saving you precious time and reducing the chance of delaying the line. Plus, it’s much easier to stay calm and organised when you’ve got everything to hand!

3. Dress for the occasion

When you’re getting ready for airport security, the simpler, the better. Opt for clothes that are easy to take off and put back on, especially shoes and belts. Slip-on shoes are best, and if you can, try to avoid wearing bulky jewellery or accessories that might set off the metal detector.

If you’re wearing layers, choose ones that are easy to remove quickly, and avoid wearing anything that requires a lot of adjusting or zipping up.

4. Be mindful of special items

Certain items in your bag, like medications or baby food, may need extra checks.

While these items are allowed through security, it’s best to declare them upfront to avoid any delays. To make it much easier for security staff, keep them separate from the rest of your belongings so they can be quickly and easily inspected.

5. Know the rules and restrictions

Before you even get to the airport, make sure you’re familiar with the rules surrounding what you can and can’t bring in your hand luggage.

Items like sharp objects, large bottles of liquids, or prohibited food items can cause delays or even force you to throw things away.

If you’re unsure about something, it’s always a good idea to check the airport's website before your trip, so you know you’re fully prepared.

6. Use clear bags for liquids

Airport security has strict rules about liquids. At most UK airports, liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of 100ml or less and fit into a single, transparent 20cm x 20cm plastic, resealable bag.

The best way to prepare for this is to place all liquids in a clear bag before you even get in line.

7. Keep electronics easily accessible

Large electronics like laptops and tablets need to be removed from your bag for screening, so it’s best to keep them at the top of your carry-on.

When you get to the security checkpoint, make sure your electronics are ready to be placed in a separate bin.

How to choose the right security lane

Picking the right lane at security can actually make a huge difference in how fast you get through. Here’s how to find the quickest lane for you:

• Look for PreCheck or Global Entry Lanes — If you’ve got access to these lanes, take full advantage! They’re faster because they skip a lot of the usual steps, like removing your shoes and jackets.
  
  
• Consider family and priority lanes — If you’re travelling with little ones or have priority access, check out the family or priority lanes. They tend to be less crowded, meaning you’ll spend less time waiting. It’s worth noting, though, that not all airports have this option.
  
  
• Avoid busy times — If you’re flying during peak hours, try to pick the lane that looks less packed. Busy times like early mornings or right before the summer holidays can cause backups, so aim for quieter times if you can.

What to do if you're selected for additional screening

Even if you’ve followed all the tips and packed everything perfectly, you might still get selected for additional screening. But, there’s no need to worry — it’s completely normal. Here’s how to handle it:

• Stay calm and cooperative — It’s not the end of the world! Just stay calm and follow the instructions, and things will go smoothly.
  
  
• Listen to instructions — Security staff will guide you through the process. Whether it’s a quick pat-down or checking your bag again, just listen to what they ask and follow along.
  
  
• Be prepared for a pat-down — Sometimes, you might need to go through an extra pat-down or swab of the hands and/or feet. It’s routine, and it doesn’t take too long. Just be prepared for a bit of extra time.
  
  
• Remember, your belongings will be rechecked — If something triggers the alarm or needs more attention, your bag might be checked again. It’s normal and you may get asked a few questions, but there’s no need to panic.
  
  
• Know your rights — If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask. Being polite and respectful goes a long way, and it helps speed things up for everyone.
  

How to make the most of off-peak travel times

If you really want to speed up your time through security, it might be worth flying during off-peak hours and seasons. The quieter the airport, the less time you’ll spend waiting around.

• Travel early in the morning — Early flights tend to be quieter. If you’re an early riser, this is your chance to get through security without the usual chaos.
  
  
• Opt for midweek flights and avoid peak holidays — Weekends and holidays are peak travel times, so midweek flights (like Tuesday or Wednesday) usually come with fewer crowds.
  
• Choose smaller airports — If you have the option to fly out of a smaller airport, take it! Smaller airports generally have shorter lines and quicker security checks compared to major hubs.
  
  
• Check airport traffic times — Some airports have quieter periods that are even more specific, like between 9 AM and 11 AM. It’s worth checking with the airport, if possible, to see their busiest times.

FAQs

Can you bring food or snacks through security?

Yes, you can bring food through security, but there are a few rules you’ll need to keep in mind.

Solid foods, like sandwiches or fruit, are generally fine, but liquids (including soups or yoghurts) must follow the liquid restriction limit. So, if you’ve got something like a salad dressing or home-made dip, make sure it’s packed in your liquid bag and under the 100ml limit.

How early should you arrive at the airport to avoid long security lines?

It’s recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.

Arriving early gives you plenty of time to get through without being rushed, and it can also account for any unexpected delays. If you’re flying during a busy time or a peak travel season, you might want to add a bit more time just to be safe.

Get through faster with Trtl Travel

With a bit of preparation, the right timing, and a few helpful tips, you can breeze through airport security and be on your way in no time.

From our Trtl Packing pods to the comfort of the Trtl Travel Pillow, we’ve got the tools to keep you organised wherever the road takes you.

For more inspiration, check out our blog.