The Things We Should Never Do At Airport Security

Getting to the airport is usually just the start of a great adventure, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be a quick process. After all, with so many measures to keep people safe in place, airport security can often eat up hours of our travel time.

Still, it's there for a reason and something we all have to follow, but what if you want to make things easier than ever? Whether you're short of time and hate the idea of waiting in line or you merely want to take some of the stress out of traveling, there are certain things we should never do at airport security.

Not going to a security checkpoint that's less busy

One way you can potentially avoid line when going through security is to use a different checkpoint. Most large airports have various points you can use to prove that you and your carry-on luggage aren't a danger to everyone. If you download the MyTSA app, you can actually get an idea of security wait times at these different checkpoints. The app uses historical data to provide as accurate an idea as possible of where you're best off going. Just make sure that you'll still be able to reach your gate from the checkpoint that you go to.

Not having your passport/ID and boarding pass at the ready

Your boarding pass and passport/ID are crucial documents that you'll need to rely on throughout your time at the airport. That includes when going through security, so make sure that you have these things out ready to present to the security agent. Unless there's miraculously no line going through security, you should have the time to do this while waiting in line. Even if the agent doesn't seem it, they'll likely appreciate your efficiency, considering how many people they have to check every single shift. Being prepared like this will make their lives that little bit easier.

Failing to remove items that will need to be x-rayed in advance

Something else you probably shouldn't wait around to do is remove any of the items on your person that will need to go in the container to be x-rayed. We're talking about stuff like belts, watches, and jackets, which should be easy enough to take off while you're waiting. Shoes are usually another item that needs to be checked, but we'd recommend holding off on removing them until you have a container to fill. However, if you know they're going to be a hassle to take off, doing something like unlacing them in advance will help to speed the process up.

Not having your liquids and large electronics easily accessible in your carry-on luggage

By this point, it's well-known that most liquids are allowed on a plane but only in certain conditions. They need to be in small bottles amounting to 3.4 ounces and kept in a clear plastic bag. When it comes time to go through security, said bag usually needs to go in the container separate from your luggage. If that is the case, you don't want to hold both yourself and other people up by having to dig around for the liquids. So, pack these and any large electronics somewhere easily accessible in your carry-on luggage to avoid wasting time.

Making jokes regarding national security and explosives

Even if you haven't done anything wrong, it's not unusual to feel nervous going through security. There's that inherent fear that the agents will find something that shouldn't be there, or you're going to set the alarms off for no reason. In such situations, people might try to ease the tension with a few jokes. However, make sure that if you do this, your jokes aren't about national security or explosives. People have been detained for such things before, and such humor may only seek to delay the security process significantly. It's probably better to just keep your mouth shut except for answering questions.

Forgetting to look into the TSA's PreCheck program

If you find that going through security is always too long of a process, consider signing up for the TSA PreCheck program. This allows frequent flyers to go through everything much quicker because an extensive background check is done before they arrive at the airport. You won't have to worry about things like removing your belt and jacket or placing items in separate containers. Although PreCheck lanes aren't available at every airport, you can access them at over 200 airports in the US. So, applying for this could be well worth your time if you travel often.

Dealing with security is probably most passengers' least favorite part of going through an airport. However, if you remember the things we should never do at airport security, you should find that it becomes a breeze. That way, it no longer has to be something that causes you an unnecessary amount of stress.