Four Travel Hacks To Beat The Security Lines

Dread airport lines? Try these tricks to get ahead of the pack. 

We all know how it is. Any mention of the state of airport travel today — especially the lines and the TSA — will inevitably elicit groans of frustration, eye rolls, and a raft of stories of security nightmares. 

It’s true in many ways that traveling by plane in 2019 lacks much of the glamour and carefree effortless elegance of, say, 50 years ago. We live in a different world with much more complex problems that need to be addressed. 

But since you have to go through the lines and security no matter what — how about making it as painless as possible? Here are some easy tips to help you breeze through your next security screening and stay at the head of the line. 

1) Don't Check A Bag: Want to avoid the crazy lines, don't check a bag. Ask for some packing tips to avoid the hold up of waiting for bags especially if you have to make connections.  

2) Get on the list: The TSA has a trusted traveler program called TSA Pre® and the US Customs and Border Protection has Global Entry. Both programs are worth their weight in gold. They are available in most airports across the country and both can cut your time through security screenings by 90%. It has perks like not requiring shoe or laptop removal for a speedy trip through security so yeah for that also. 

3) Download the app: Are you like me that got TSA Precheck instead of Global Entry? Do you not want to go through the minor hassle of getting TSA PreCheck or Global Entry even though I am a frequent international traveler?

Introducing Mobile Passport . This app allows you to complete the customs questionnaire upon re-entry to the US. You snap a photo of yourself and you go through the special line for mobile passport users right next to the Global Entry line and you won't have to wait in the long lines for re-entering the US and it's FREE (sorta). They know have two programs the Basic Plan and the Plus Plan. If you are not a frequent traveler, the basic plan will work just fine. If you are a frequent traveler or just like the additional bells and whistles the Plus Plan is $14.99 per year with a 7 day free trial period. 

4) Splurge on a meet and greet: Going to the Caribbean during the high season? Want to avoid the lines that can take up to an hour to get through? Splurge on a meet and greet with fast track through customs. This is a very popular perk. I frequently use this service when traveling to Jamaica. Having the ability to walk past the long lines awaiting entry into Jamaica is worth every penny. Plus after zipping through security there are cocktails and food waiting in the lounge while you wait for your resort pickup (that's a triple win!). ​