4 Items to Help Speed Up the TSA Security Screening Process

published on February 16, 2012 by

TSA security screening at American airports is never fun. Long lines, surly agents, invasive procedures, and fumbling to get all our possessions through the x-ray machine can make for a stressful experience. After many early morning runs through the TSA security screening checkpoints, I have learned what works well in order to get me through security as fast and hassle-free as possible.

Here are the four items I always bring through security that help make the process a breeze.

1. Slip on Shoes. When moving through security, untying and retying laces takes time and can hold up the line behind you. When rushing to make a flight, being able to slip your shoes off and on can be the difference between making and missing your flight.

2. Jacket. Except for in the heat of the summer, I almost always travel with a light jacket. Aside from keeping me warm on cold airplanes or functioning as a makeshift pillow on early morning flights, it is also the perfect carry-all device for everything in my pockets that needs to be removed before going through security. My cellphone, keys, wallet, change, and everything else goes into the pocket of my jacket before it comes off and goes through the x-ray machine.

No messing with little plastic buckets or losing anything important – it’s all right there in the jacket on the other side. A jacket with a couple of pockets generally works fine, or you can opt for the ingenious carry-all in the photo.

3. TSA Approved Laptop Case. A few years ago, the TSA approved a select number of laptop cases that were allowed to pass through security without the user having to take the laptop out. These are great, cheap little cases that not only protect your laptop as it goes through security screening but also reduce the inconvenience of having to take it out on its own every time. Having one of these on hand eliminates one more hassle from the TSA security dance.

4. Security Friendly Belt. There seems to be a threshold for the amount of metal that can pass through a security screening device without setting it off. Find a belt that is below this threshold. I experimented with the different belts I own, subjecting myself to setting off the security screening on multiple occasions until I found a belt that did not set it off. I now wear this belt every time I fly. Being able to keep my belt on saves precious seconds and the awkward dance of trying to put my belt on as I rush to my flight.

Use these tips when you head out on your timeshare rental vacation to keep your trip running smoothly.

Our guest author, John, is a perpetual traveler for both business and leisure who has been on the road constantly for the last year. In his spare time he writes about his life on the road at Travel Rinse Repeat where he hopes to show others how to make the most of every travel opportunity