People love to travel to new places, but the process of actually arriving at those destinations can be less than ideal. After all, who likes to spend hours at the airport, waiting in endless lines and buying overpriced food? Well, we're here to help with one of those problems (sorry, but the other one isn't really under our control). Here are some little-known hacks that'll help quickly get you through airport security.
Bring a Collapsible Cup With You
Now, you may not have even known that collapsible cups exist, but this is your lucky day. This is a great thing to have in your everyday life, but also when it comes to traveling. They are super handy when the flight attendants come by with the small cups of water. You can have them fill your cup, but you don't have to worry about it taking up too much space in your bag or having a bottle full of liquids while going through security.
You always want to make sure that you have some extra space in your bag when traveling, and getting collapsible items is a great way to do that.
Get a Special Laptop Bag to Avoid a Hassle at Security
While most airport security lines will make you remove all of your electronics from your bags when you put them through security, not all of them do. It's always a gamble: will you have to remove the laptop or not? It's such a hassle to take apart your perfectly packed bag just to remove the laptop, only to have to put it back in again afterward. This can all be prevented with a special laptop bag.
If you don't want a special bag just for your laptop or your electronics, you can at least get a special pocket that makes it easier to remove and less affects the other items in your bag.
Use Shoelaces That Don't Require Any Tying or Untying
You probably never thought about how much time it takes to untie and remove your shoes when you're heading through security, but it can be very time-consuming and very annoying. One easy way to minimize the stress around shoes is to switch your shoelaces right before the flight. If you put in elastic shoelaces, you won't have to tie and untie your laces multiple times before boarding your flight.
Luckily, buying new shoelaces is a pretty inexpensive thing, and it only takes a few moments to switch them. If you fly frequently, it can save you a lot of hassle.
Sign up for Global Entry Membership
For frequent international travelers accustomed to enduring lengthy queues before boarding, there's a hassle-free solution to alleviate the stress of potentially missing your flight despite arriving early. Enroll in a Global Entry membership, granting you expedited passage through TSA checks across U.S. airports. All you have to do is scan your fingerprint at an automated kiosk and respond to customs inquiries, and you're all set. It really saves a lot of time in the long run.
This membership not only saves time but also enhances the overall travel experience, ensuring you can navigate airport security swiftly and without unnecessary worries about flight schedules.
Use TSA-Approved Travel Kits and Keep All of Your Toiletries Together
While the excitement of travel is universal, the chore of packing and unpacking, especially with toiletries, remains an unpopular aspect. To avoid potential losses during airport security checks, meticulous packing is essential. The key is to opt for a TSA-approved toiletry kit, ensuring a smooth journey for your shampoo, conditioner, soap, and cosmetics. Transparent containers made of flexible materials with leakproof caps are very important in order to get approval.
By embracing these kits, the packing process becomes more efficient, guaranteeing a hassle-free and secure trip. This way, you can focus on the adventure itself rather than grappling with logistical challenges.
Organize Your Electronics With a Specialized Kit
Airport security tends to scrutinize electronics, making the unpacking process cumbersome. The lack of a dedicated pocket in your backpack or suitcase for your laptop exacerbates the issue. However, this can be mitigated with the help of an electronics organizer. A specialized organizer facilitates easy access and maintains a well-organized arrangement during the security check. So, whether you're traveling for work or pleasure, the key is a well-prepared and organized approach to streamline the airport security experience.
There are many different types of kits that you can purchase that will help you organize all of your cords, headphones, chargers, and more.
Conveniently Attach All Your Luggage With Straps
While the ideal situation when traveling is simply to purchase matching luggage that offers the option to strap it all together so that the individual pieces don't roll around everywhere, not everyone wants to spend a lot of money on expensive luggage. So, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to this, you can get a belt clip to hold all of the luggage pieces together. This will save you a lot of hassle.
You can buy a whole variety of belt options; just make sure that they are large enough to strap all around your luggage pieces (even if they're bulging from overpacking).
Be Sure to Check in Online Whenever Possible
Some airlines actually require this nowadays, but even if they don't, you should always try to check in online first! If you want to save a little bit of time in the check-in process, then you should do it online. It takes a few moments, but if you don't have to check in luggage for your flight, it can save you at least an hour at the airport.
You can get your boarding pass directly to your phone, and you don't even have to wait in line to get a paper boarding pass.
Don't Skimp When It Comes to Travel Containers
Travel containers are a life changer. Never underestimate how much good travel containers can change and better your travel experience. Making sure that you have the right containers for your vitamins and medicines, along with your toiletries and other items, will make the experience of travel so much more pleasant. It will also help you to stay organized during your trip and during your check-in and security process at the airport since you won't be dealing with any spillage.
The TSA workers will probably also appreciate all of your organizational and travel-sized containers, and it will speed up the process and help keep things organized.
Lessen Your Liquid Load by Switching to Powder Shampoo
It's no secret that liquids cause an issue when it comes to traveling. You can only bring liquids of a certain size on the plane with you, and even if you try to put larger ones in your other luggage, it can get pretty heavy. A great solution to prevent the perils of traveling with lots of liquid shampoos is to switch to powder or bar shampoo. It will be worth the switch.
Definitely test out different powder or bar shampoos before you travel to make sure that they work well and that you like how they feel. No one wants an itchy scalp while traveling due to a shampoo switch.
Bring a Conditioner Bar
We already suggested replacing liquid shampoo with powder shampoo to speed through airport security. But what about conditioner? Don't worry; there's an alternative for that, too: a conditioner bar. Of course, you can always use the shampoo and toiletries that are offered to you at your accommodations. However, it may not be the best option if you are used to using certain products. It can make life a lot easier to bring your favorite products along with you.
If you are going to bring your favorite products along with you, then you should consider shampoo and conditioner bars instead of liquids.
Freeze Your Water Bottles to Get Them Through Security
Now, this is probably the best hack that you will ever see when it comes to airport security and traveling. What is the most frustrating part of the security? Having to get rid of all of your water bottles. After all, no one wants to go broke buying water bottles in the airport, and it is such a shame to chug them before the flight or have to dispose of them entirely.
Did you know there was a way around this? All you have to do is freeze your water. After all, liquids are the issue, not solids!
Get an Organizer for Your Handbag
In case you haven't noticed, one of the themes of this list is pretty much that you should get little things that will help you organize your life and your items. The next thing like this is a handbag or purse organizer. This is something that most women should consider even for everyday life, but it will come in extra handy when it comes to travel and getting through TSA security without an issue.
With an organizer like this, you don't have to worry about losing any of your most important items, and you will have them easily on hand in the blink of an eye.
Get a Convenient Travel Wallet so Any and All Documents Are Easily Accessible During Security
International travel presents its own set of challenges, particularly in safeguarding your belongings, especially crucial documents. Vigilance is key, as a moment of inattention can lead to loss or theft, potentially spoiling your entire vacation. The highlighted wallet offers an excellent solution. It accommodates all essentials, including credit cards, ID, plane tickets, and passports. Its wearable design with straps allows you to secure it around your neck, minimizing the risk of loss.
Once you get a travel wallet like this, there will be no going back. You won't have to worry about losing important documents or struggling to find them.
Wear Slip on Shoes
Comfortable footwear is a universal desire, transcending backgrounds and preferences. No matter how stylish or pricey your sneakers are, their appeal diminishes if they cause discomfort after just an hour of wear. Prioritizing comfort over style is key. When gearing up for travel, opting for comfortable shoes is non-negotiable, and slip-ons emerge as the ultimate choice. Not only do they provide unparalleled comfort, but they also expedite the security process.
With slip-on shoes, you no longer need to fuss with laces; all you have to do is simply slip them off and on, and you're good to go.
Get Dividers for Your Suitcase - If Security Asks to Check Your Bag, You'll Be Grateful It's This Organized
If you haven't already used packing cubes or something similar, then you probably have a bit of a mess when it comes to your suitcase. If you are against packing cubes for some reason, then you should at least invest in some dividers for your suitcase. It will help you keep things organized without having to worry about looking for certain things for hours. You won't regret getting them to help you out.
This will also help you to get through security easily as the organization will help you keep your suitcase at a good weight, and you won't have to waste time reorganizing.
Stock up on Silicone Travel Bags - Their Flexibility Saves Space
Navigating airport security with non-travel-sized essentials like shampoo poses a challenge, but a simple solution exists. Invest in a silicone travel bottle and transfer your favorite shampoo into it. These bottles are readily accessible, ensuring you meet TSA requirements effortlessly. Opt for a transparent silicone bottle with a leakproof lid to enhance convenience and compliance. This quick fix allows you to bring your preferred shampoo on your travels without compromising on security measures.
Embrace the flexibility of these travel-sized containers, making the process of passing through airport checks a breeze while ensuring you have your preferred products at hand during your journey.
Invest in a Good Travel Tote
It is no secret that having the right luggage is extremely important when it comes to traveling. And the same thing applies when it comes to bags. You should not only have a nice purse or handbag but also invest in a nice travel tote that can fit all sorts of things. And this applies to men and women. It can fit snacks, chargers, books, documents, and even spare clothes.
No one has ever regretted having a nice big travel tote that they can fit everything they need into easily and seamlessly.
Keep Your Eyes Open on Which Line Is Faster
If you are really in a rush, then one of the best things to do is choose which line you enter carefully. While you may think that it won't make too much of a difference which line you go into, that isn't the case. Keep an eye out to see which line is moving faster before you choose which one to go into, and make sure that the people in front of you are the "quick type."
The "quick type" travelers are the ones who have a smaller amount of suitcases and people who look like they have their documents and things in order. There will be less delays that way.
Bring a Fanny Pack to Keep Passports and Boarding Passes Secure yet Easily Accessible
If you want to get through airport security securely, then the best way to do it is to keep your personal items safe and secure. What is the best way to do that? Make sure that your bags and pouches have zippers. That way, you don't have to worry about things falling or slipping out without you noticing. This is especially important when it comes to passports and boarding passes.
You will also feel less anxious about all of your important items if you know that they are in one secure place and that they cannot easily be lost.
Forget Liquid Sunscreen - Stick to Sunscreen Bars
You never know where your travels might take you, but you should really be prepared for everything. And if there is one thing that you can almost guarantee that you will need no matter where your travels take you, it would be sunscreen. And instead of buying sunscreen from an expensive store at a tourist trap, you should bring some along with you to save a little money and the hassle of running errands.
While you can get a liquid sunscreen, it may be a bit more difficult to bring along with you, especially if you're only bringing a carry-on. That is why you could try a sunscreen bar.
Don't Forget Your Packing Cubes
Whether you're on a road trip or taking to the skies, the perpetual struggle of finding ample packing space persists. This challenge intensifies for infrequent travelers lacking dedicated suitcases. Enter packing cubes, a game-changer for your journeys. These lightweight wonders offer expandable flexibility and feature a mesh front, allowing effortless visibility of contents. A travel essential, these cubes streamline your packing process, accommodating your needs seamlessly and without too much effort.
You can very easily upgrade your travel game with this must-have solution: simple packing cubes. You can thank us later.
Ditch the Duffel Bags and Backpacks - Stick to Wheels
Wheels make everything better. It's hard to imagine a time when people didn't have wheels on their luggage. It seems like it would be so much more difficult to travel and people wouldn't be able to travel around as easily as they can nowadays. Most people have wheels on their luggage now, but not everyone has them on their carryons. They really should, though, as it is a life changer.
You can choose to purchase a carry-on bag that has wheels, or you can makeshift them yourself. But either way, they will make travel so much easier.
Use a Luggage Strap to Identify Your Bags
While many people are scared of the actual process involved in flying and traveling, one of the worst parts of traveling with airplanes is the fear of losing your bag and all of your belongings. After all, you probably spent so much time packing everything with precision to ensure that you would have everything that you needed, and then suddenly, you could be left without anything at all.
That is why luggage straps are so handy and useful. You can put them directly on your bags so that you can track your bags and easily identify them when they come out of the plane.
Try Using Some Mosquito Repellant Wipes
Tropical destinations make for fantastic getaways, offering a break from work demands with opportunities for sea dips, sunbathing, and leisurely reading. The allure extends to delectable cuisine, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. However, there's one potential spoiler: mosquitoes. For those sensitive to their bites, opting for mosquito repellents becomes crucial. Choose wipes instead of spray or lotion types to sidestep airport security concerns. These wipes provide a great, hassle-free solution.
If you want to ensure that you can enjoy your tropical vacation without the annoyance of mosquito bites, you should really try using these wipes.
Any Deodorant Can Be Made Travel-Size
While this one may seem like a no-brainer, there are plenty of people who forget certain essentials like this when they are traveling. While you could forget many items and just purchase them when you arrive at your destination, deodorant is something that you should really consider bringing along. It can make you feel fresher during your travels, and everyone around you will also be grateful that you brought some and reapplied as needed.
Most deodorants are fairly small, so you can most likely bring it with you in your carry-on bag. That means that you can reapply deodorant as often as needed so that you remain fresh and clean despite the stresses of travel.
Wear Pants That You Can Just Pull on and off
It is no secret that one of the most important aspects of traveling is to make sure that you wear comfortable clothes. After all, airplanes can be uncomfortable enough as it is, so you need something that will help you get comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. That is exactly what you should wear: pants that you can easily pull on and off and that have a flexible waistline that stretches.
That makes it easier when it comes to going to the bathroom, and you also don't have to worry about becoming bloated and uncomfortable in tight clothing.
Get Travel-Size Liquid Detergent Packets
Bringing along small packets of things is a must when it comes to traveling. Everything has to become travel-sized: cute and mini. However, one item you probably never thought to bring along with you would be detergent packets. But you should really reconsider as they are one of the best and handiest items to pack. If you spill or if you need to do a small wash of some clothes, you will be grateful you brought some along.
You can usually find small packets of detergent from most of the major brands. Put a few in your bag, and you will be good to go.
Don't Worry About a Passport if You're Traveling Domestically
While the US is a pretty massive place, and sometimes it's hard to imagine that it's just one country, you probably might forget that it is still domestic travel. And as such, you don't always have to have a passport with you. While you should bring along an ID of some sort, just to make things easier, don't stress too much, as the TSA employees can also help you get through with just a few personal questions for verification.
Just remember that this is only relevant if you are traveling domestically. If you're going international, then you will still need a proper and valid passport.
Try Using Squeeze Pouches
Despite meticulous preparations, there may be a last-minute realization that something went wrong in the packing process and that the toiletry bag is overflowing and unable to accommodate additional items. If that's the case, flexible squeeze pouches come to the rescue! These pouches not only meet TSA regulations but are also exceptionally flexible and compact. Travelers can confidently bring all necessary items for their trip without concerns about going through security.
The versatility of these pouches provides a practical solution to unforeseen packing issues, ensuring a smooth and organized journey even in the face of unexpected challenges.
Use a Microfiber Towel to Clean Your Skin
People with sensitive skin will definitely relate to this hack and will be grateful once they have learned of it. They know that it is so essential for them to properly clean and take care of their skin even on travel days. Without the use of their regular products, such as makeup removers, cleansers, and toners, they can be scared for the status of their skin. Enter the microfiber towel, and your problems will be solved.
A microfiber towel, combined with a little bit of water, is a great way to keep your face clean during flights and travels without having to bring a ton of products with you.
Always Wear Breathable Fabric
Choosing the clothing that you will wear on the flight may be the most important decision you make pre-travel (with the exception of the course of ensuring that you get to the airport on time and that everything is in order). It is the most important decision when it comes to your comfort for the journey, and that is why you should wear breathable fabric on your travel days, from the shoes to the clothing.
While people usually think of pants or shirts when you mention breathable fabric, it also applies to shoes as well as you want your feet to be comfortable too.
Make Sure to Stay Hydrated With Electrolytes
If there is one thing that is easily forgotten about while traveling, it is to stay hydrated. That is especially the case as most airlines and airport securities confiscate all liquids, including water. You may find yourself without enough to drink, and that is when electrolytes can come in very handy. You can buy electrolytes in the form of Pedialyte, coconut water, or even Gatorade. There are lots of options.
You can also drink these before or after your flight. Prevention is important, but you can also take them after to help out.
Always Write a Packing List
Now, this is more of a general travel tip rather than one that will help you get through airport security quickly. But they always go hand in hand, as if one aspect of the travel experience is a bit quicker than all of it is. So what's the tip? Always write a packing list. Whether or not you consider yourself an organized person it doesn't really matter, as lists can always help.
With a list, you are much less likely to forget things, and you will thank yourself later on when you manage to get all of the little goodies that you might have left behind.
Connect All of Your Cords
You can thank this article later when you have purchased a cord organizer, as it will really be a life changer (both in everyday life and also when it comes to traveling). There is nothing more frustrating than digging through your bag and looking for a charger or headphones when you need them. The cords all get stuck together, and it can become a big mess very quickly. That is where cord organizers come in.
You can buy nice and fancy leather ones like these if you want to keep the classy traveler look, or you can even use a hair clip or hair tie if you are desperate; anything to keep those cords together will help.
Write Yourself a Few Reminders
Now, this is a tip that is actually pretty useful both in regular life and also for airport security. Reminders help with everything. Whether you are a forgetful person or someone who remembers just about everything, it can't hurt to jot down a few reminders here and there just to make sure that everything goes smoothly once you get to the airport. It may seem silly and unnecessary, but it makes a difference.
You can write the notes down on your phone or on an actual piece of paper, whatever works for you. However, just be sure to keep some reminders and notes available.
Waterproof Your Kindle
Passionate readers cherish their Kindles, especially while on journeys. The ultimate reading companion, not everyone can spring for the waterproof version. So, what's the move for aquatic adventures? No need to splurge on a pricier device matching your current one; grab a waterproof cover instead! Affordable and practical, it ensures your reading buddy remains unharmed during poolside escapades. Now, you can dive into your favorite books without worry, making the most of your literary escapes in risky settings.
A waterproof cover is a smart ticket to an enjoyable reading experience, even in the midst of aquatic surroundings. While you hopefully won't get your device too wet, you won't have to worry if you just get yourself a waterproof cover.
Use a Toiletry Bag to Keep It Organized
Packing is probably everyone's least favorite part of the travel experience. Adhering to rules and understanding prohibited items is crucial. A toiletry bag, like the one mentioned, is indispensable. Airport security has strict regulations on liquids, so placing your shampoo and conditioner in a sealed transparent bag is a must. This strategy not only ensures compliance but also facilitates a smooth experience through security checks so that you don't have to separate a bunch of little bottles; they'll be together already.
When the TSA employees ask you to remove all of your liquids, you will definitely be happy that you organized them together in advance.
Chew Some Caffeine Gum
Most people know that you should bring gum with you when you travel. It helps to chew some when you are taking off or landing if you want to prevent your ears from popping or being painful. However, you can expand that with the help of caffeine gum. It serves as a two-for-one. You can help with your ears from the gum side, and then the caffeine aspect can help you deal with jet lag.
The best part about this is that it serves many purposes, but it is also easy to carry along with you at most stages of your travel experience.
Use a Small Weekender Bag
If you're gearing up for a brief getaway and won't be loading up on a ton of clothes, ditch the bulky suitcase. Opt for something more compact and versatile – the ideal choice being a weekender bag. With a range of designs to choose from, these bags are tailored for short trips. They offer ample space for your essentials while remaining compact enough to slide into an overhead compartment or fit snugly under your plane seat.
Don't miss out on the convenience; make the smart move and invest in a weekender bag for your short-haul travels. Even if you think it's too small, the convenience will cause you to be happy that you did it in the long run.