The increase in airport security has made quickly transiting airports more difficult. The good news is that by following a few simple tips you can clear airport security in a breeze.

Appropriate Attire

1. Wear comfortable easy to remove shoes. Some airport security checkpoints require you to remove your shoes. If you are wearing boots or shoes that are hard to remove, you will waste a lot of your valuable time. By ensuring your shoes are comfortable you establish a backup plan- if you are late, you’re able to run fast!

2. Don’t wear a belt. Not all belts will set off the metal detector but sometimes airport security officials may ask you to remove it anyway. If your pants don’t require a belt, you save the time it takes to removing it. It also prevents the awkwardness of being searched.

3. Don’t wear jewellery. Depending on the sensitivity of the metal detector and the amount of jewellery you are wearing, it may be possible to set off the metal detector. If you don’t wear jewellery, you won’t have to worry.

4. Wear shoes without gel inserts. Gel shoe inserts are prohibited in US airports.

5. Avoid wearing clothing with metal buttons or zippers.Any metal item could set off an airports metal detector. If possible, try to avoid wearing an underwire bra or metal hair pieces (bobby pins).

6. Remove items from pockets prior to security checkpoint. Ensure there is nothing in your pockets when passing through the metal detector. This will save time and decrease the chance of being manually searched.


Pack your Carry-on Wisely

1. Don’t carry liquids. Restrictions on the amount of liquid you are allowed to have in your carry-on can varies from airport to airport if travelling internationally. If you simply pack all your liquid products in your checked baggage you may save yourself some trouble. If you do pack liquid items make sure they are under 3oz and in a clear zip top bag.

2. Pack your laptop on top. Nearly all airports require you to take your laptop out of its bag when passing through security. Ensuring it is easy to access will save your time.

3. Check for prohibited items. Before you leave home double check the contents of your carry-on. Make sure you aren’t carrying any sharp items or things which may be mistaken for a weapon (ie eyebrow tweezers). If you are a smoker, don’t pack your lighter in your carry-on.