One thing everybody dreads about the airport is waiting in the TSA line. Some people dread it so much that they’ll pay $78-$289 to get through the line quicker or avoid it as much as they can.

Maybe you’re not one of those people. It could be because you travel every once in a while or it’s not that big a deal to wait in line.

Honestly, if you go at the right time, you can speed through the line in 30 minutes or less. That’s a bit harder to pin from day to day but I have some tips that will help you get through security without the extra struggling (and maybe if most people followed these tips the line would go 3x faster).

1. Wear easy slip on shoes

In the TSA line, one of the things security shouts out is to take off your shoes. If you have shoes with laces or ones that take a minute to take off (or put on), this will slow down the line. Have shoes to easily slip off, it’ll save some seconds in line which can go a long way. Make sure to wear socks because thousands of people have crossed that nasty floor.

2. Wear pants that don’t require a belt (if you can)

Another thing security shouts is for you to take off your belt. The easiest way to avoid this is to wear bottoms that don’t require a belt like sweat pants, joggers, palazzo pants, etc. Part of my usual airport outfit back in college always included jogger pants. While we’re talking about pants…

3. Put anything you have in your pockets in your bag

I really don’t need say this as a tip because security will say it for you. “Make sure your pockets are empty!”

If something is found in your pockets when you a screened, they may have to send you back to the bins to put those items back through the scanner, or will pat you down. This will take up unnecessary time for you and the people behind you.

4. Put any outerwear in or on your carry-on

Airplanes can be cold so of course it’s natural to want to bring a jacket, cardigan or hoodie. It’s also smart to wear your heavy clothes one the plane in the winter months to lessen the weight in your check bag. Just makes sure you take off your outerwear off while you’re standing in line, before you get the screening to save time. This includes hats. You could wear a hoodie with nothing underneath but they will probably pat you down, which adds time.

One other thing I’d suggest is where versatile shirt – like a button-down – that can serve as a jacket. One of my go to airport outfit pieces is a jean shirt. I have tank top underneath it and button the jean shirt all the way up like I’m supposed to wear it. After security, I unbutton the shirt for a new outfit look.

5.  Keep all food and toiletries in an easy-to-reach place

TSA will usually advise to remove all food from your bags. Sometimes they don’t. In those cases, it may cause them to pull your bag aside for an additional look through.

I remember my friends and I were headed home from our New Orleans/Mexico cruise and we’d gotten fresh salt while in Mexico. We had too much stuff to carry already so we’d place it in our bags. One of my friends had TSA Pre-Check and Clear so she went through with no issues.

My other friend and I went through regular security and our bags got pulled aside. I packed my salt at the top because I figured this might happen and wanted easy reach. My friend packed hers at the bottom of her bag so she had to take everything out which took quite a while.

Always pack food, toiletries, or anything that could cause them to want to take another look at your bag in an easy to reach place.

6. Stay up to date with TSA Guidelines for your carry-on bag (and check wait times)

If you’re traveling only with a carry-on, make sure you don’t have anything in your bag that’s not allowed. Not only will it cost you more time in security but you may get your favorite bottle of lotion that you bought new specifically for the trip confiscated and thrown away. Some basic things to keep in mind: Liquids need to be in 3.4oz bottles or less, no weapons (this includes scissors), no drugs, etc.

The link above will provide more or what and what not to bring. They also have an app, MyTSA, that has this info and you can check the app for wait time.

Keeping an eye on the wait times at your local airport may be give you a good idea when to arrive at the best time. This can always vary especially around holiday season, spring break time, and summer (pretty much year ‘round).

These are my tips! Mostly time savers so you don’t have to spend any more time in security than you need to.

If keeping the tips in mind become too tedious and you want to cave-in to get TSA Pre-Check, Clear Plus, or Global Entry that’s fine. The next post will be about which one to choose that’s best for you. I’m caving in to be honest, but you’ll find out more about that next week.

See you then fellow overthinkers!