In 2024, the Transportation Security Administration screened approximately 904 million passengers, 494 million checked bags, and 2 billion items of carry-on luggage.
For most travelers, passing through a TSA checkpoint is not a pleasant experience. Most people just want to get through airport security as quickly as possible. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the time you spend at TSA checkpoints.
Here are some tips to help you get through airport security.
Sign up for TSA Pre-Check
TSA PreCheck provides travelers with separate expedited security lanes. In this lane, travelers do not need to take off their shoes, light jackets and belts. The program also allows you to carry your laptop and any 3-1-1 compliant liquids and gels in your carry-on bag. TSA PreCheck costs between $78 and $85 (depending on the issuer) and is valid for five years. After applying and paying the fee, travelers will go to an approved agency for an interview. Pro Tip: TSA PreCheck is included in the Global Entry fee.
RELATED: TSA PreCheck program adds 2 new airlines, bringing total participating airlines to 104
Check your credit card to see if it’s one of the many that offers statement points toward the TSA PreCheck application fee. After purchasing TSA PreCheck, some cards will reimburse travelers for the cost of the program and renewal.
Many popular cards with this benefit include:
Related: The Best Credit Cards for Global Pass and TSA PreCheck
Reward your inbox with the TPG daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers and get breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive offers from TPG experts
Currently, about 99% of TSA PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes to get through airport security, according to the TSA. However, your TSA PreCheck experience will largely depend on the airport you’re departing from and the airline you’ll be flying. More than 100 domestic and foreign airlines participate in the program.
Apply for Clear Plus membership
Clear Plus, available at about 60 U.S. airports, uses biometric markers such as fingerprints or iris scans to screen travelers, allowing users to keep ID in their wallets. Once identity is verified, passengers are escorted to the front of the TSA security line. A one-year membership is $209, and you can add up to three adults to your account for $125 each. Check your American Express credit card—it may cover the annual fee for Clear Plus.
Related: What is Clear Airport Security—Is It Worth It?
Membership is free for Delta Diamond Medallion members and Delta 360 members; it costs $169 for Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members. Regular SkyMiles members pay $199. At United, membership is free for Global Services members; Premier 1K members pay $129. United Silver, Gold and Platinum Premier Card members and United US credit card holders pay $169. Regular MileagePlus members pay $199.
Download the MyTSA app
The MyTSA app, available through iTunes and Google Play, features features that allow users to:
- Check what they can and cannot bring through security
- Find airport checkpoint delay information nationwide
- Find out how busy the airport will be on your travel date and time based on historical data
- Check out the TSA travel checklist to learn how to prepare and get through security quickly
- See which airports and airlines support TSA PreCheck
- Get real-time help from TSA via social media
Be prepared
Before you get to the TSA officer, have your boarding pass and government ID ready and ready for inspection. If you go through the regular TSA lane, you’ll need to remove your laptop and liquids from your bag, so it’s a good idea to put them in your bag in an easily accessible way.
Dress appropriately
Travelers can slow things down by wearing complicated shoes or boots, belts, and clothing that is difficult to remove—make sure you don’t carry any metal objects, such as keys, in your pockets. Consider wearing slip-on loafers, minimizing the amount of jewelry you wear, wearing less clothing, and emptying your pockets before entering the security line.
Put everything back where it belongs
When going through security, place items such as bags, jackets, tablets, and laptops into the large TSA-provided trays. There are also often smaller dog bowl-shaped bowls that can be used to hold items such as watches, jewelry, and smartphones. Resist the temptation to take photos of how you arrange items on your tray—you might be holding up everyone’s queue.
Remember, from 2025 you will no longer need to take off your shoes to pass through security.
bag liquids
The TSA requires passengers to carry 3.4 ounces or less of liquids in a quart-size plastic bag. If you carry a bottle that is not in the required size bag, your items may be confiscated and your luggage will have to be rescanned, wasting your valuable time. On a related side note, empty your water bottle before arriving at the checkpoint – if your reusable water bottle fills up with liquid at the checkpoint, you may be forced to throw it away.
RELATED: TSA Liquids Rule: Learn about 3-1-1 before heading to the airport
Have the correct ID
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need to provide a real ID to board an aircraft. Acceptable ID includes a REAL ID driver’s license, passport, Global Entry card, or U.S. Military ID card. If you don’t have one, be prepared for a time-consuming identity verification process and a thorough search of your carry-on luggage.
RELATED: REAL ID, Driver’s License vs. Enhanced Driver’s License: Everything You Need to Know
Get extra help with TSA Cares
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides assistance to travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. The agency recommends that passengers with questions about security policies, procedures or the conditions for people with disabilities and medical conditions at security checkpoints call 866-289-9673 72 hours before travel. Travelers can also call the TSA Cares hotline to request help from a passenger support specialist. Wounded warriors, passengers wearing certain religious attire such as headscarves, and passengers who may have difficulty understanding checkpoint procedures are also eligible for TSA Cares services.
Wrap food and gifts properly
When traveling, you can bring gifts or food to your final destination. If you don’t want to throw them away, check the TSA website or MyTSA app to see what items are approved. Pies and cakes can pass through security checkpoints but are subject to additional inspection. While you can bring wrapped gifts through the checkpoint, TSA officers may open them to take a closer look inside, so it’s best to put your gifts in a gift bag or ship them by mail.
RELATED: 4 things the TSA doesn’t want you to bring on a plane
bottom line
The TSA continues to process record numbers of passengers, which may cause delays. By following these tips, you’ll spend less time at airport security and have an overall better airport experience.
Related reading:
