8 ways to get through an airport quickly

Imagine waking up in the morning, grabbing your packed suitcase and getting ready to go on a trip of a lifetime only to find that the line up at airport security is going to make you almost miss your flight. Luckily, there are some ways to get through airport checkpoints quickly so you can make sure you make it to your departure date with plenty of time to spare.

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1. Check your flight status before you leave

Flight details tend to change, so if you don’t want to end up waiting in long queues at the airport when you don’t have to, then checking your flight details before you leave is the way to do it. 

2. Keep your documents together

There are several points throughout the airport that you’ll need to present your travel documents including your passport, and through security is one of them. Rather than stuffing them into your bag and having to dig around to find it at each checkpoint, have it ready to go in a specific place that is easily accessed.

3. Wear slip-on shoes

When coming to airport security, there are often requests for people to walk through the metal detectors without some items of clothing, including belts and shoes. If you wear a pair of shoes that don’t have laces, or are at least easy to slip on and off, you’re sure to save a whole lot of time.

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4. Know what not to pack

These rules and regulations tend to change all the time, depending on where you’re going, so it’s a good idea to do a quick check of what items are and are not allowed on a flight with your provider. If liquids are only allowed in your carry-on luggage in certain quantities, make sure you correctly pack them and have them in a plastic zip-lock bag so they’re easy to remove from your carry-on and show to the attendants when you make it through security.

5. Electronic Passport

Electronic passports were issued in Australia in 2005 and more recently there have been the introduction of SmartGates, which allow people to clear immigration a lot quicker. If you haven’t already got yourself an e-Passport, then it’s worth signing up for one, if only to cut the amount of time you’ll be spending in lines at the airport.

6. Global Entry programs

There are a variety of global entry programs around the world including through the Transportation Security Administration. Basically it means that after doing a background check and an in-person interview you can gain advanced access through security and immigration checkpoints at several airports around the world. 

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7. Check-in online

It might sound simple, but this is one of the easiest ways to cut your airport waiting time. Most airline carriers allow passengers to check in at least 24 hours before flights, meaning you won’t need to stand in line at the check-out on the day.

8. Only bring carry-on luggage

Cut your waiting time by even more by consolidating all your luggage into just carry-on pieces. This can be difficult, but it’s definitely not impossible, and it could save you loads of time in those annoying airport queues.

Do you have any other tips and advice for people who want to reduce the amount of time they spend at the airport? Let us know your tips in the comments section below.