Longer-than-usual wait times for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening at United States-based airports in recent weeks have caused stress to many travelers. But jet-setters should know that they aren’t automatically destined to endure extended TSA wait times.
If and when faced with a sea of travelers hoping to make it through airport security fast enough to make their boarding, there are legitimate ways to shorten how long you’ll be in line.
Are All U.S. Airports Experiencing Delays?
Due to the ongoing partial government shutdown and staffing shortages, TSA wait times have increased all over the country, particularly at some of our nation’s busiest airports. TSA agents calling out during the shutdown have contributed to understaffed airport security checkpoints. Lengthier lines are currently only at certain airports. Flight hubs that have seen significant TSA worker callouts include:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- William P. Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental Airports in Houston
- Pittsburgh International Airport
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Airports using private contractors for their security screenings aren’t experiencing increased wait times, according to CNN. Among the 20 flight hubs where contractors handle airport security are Atlantic City International Airport, Kansas City International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport.
How Can I Expedite My TSA Experience?
Travel When It’s Less Busy
This tip should be considered when booking your flight. Timing your departure to coincide with less busy days and times at airports can lower how much time you actually spend waiting in line at TSA. The fewer passengers waiting to go through airport security when you are, the less time you’ll have to wait to get screened. Though often overlooked, some travelers find this step to be a saving grace.
To make this work for you, The Points Guy suggests booking midday-departing flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays, when U.S. airports tend to be quieter.
If you’ve already booked your flight but are still wary of TSA wait times, rebook your departure to a less busy time at the airport.
TSA PreCheck
TSA states things plainly on its website. Noted as a member benefit, it says, “TSA Pre-Check lanes move faster. About 99% of passengers wait less than 10 minutes.” The program is dedicated to offering faster processing through airport security at participating terminals in select U.S. flight hubs.
Unfortunately, waits may exceed 10 minutes due to TSA staffing shortages at some airports. Regardless, tons of travelers swear by TSA Pre-Check for bypassing much of the airport security lines and hassle. Another time-saving benefit is that TSA PreCheck members can keep electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in their bags, and they don’t have to remove belts, light jackets, or shoes.
Once you pick your enrollment provider, you’ll need to submit an application. Upon approval, you’ll submit identification documents for verification and have your photo and fingerprints taken. You’ll also have to pay for your membership, which renews every five years. If approved, you’ll likely receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) within 3 to 5 days, which you’ll then enter when making your flight reservation with a participating carrier. Once the airline has your KTN, they’ll add a TSA PreCheck indicator to your boarding pass so you can use the designated fast lane at airport security.
Having Global Entry or CLEAR includes TSA PreCheck. Uniformed Service Members get PreCheck for free.
Touchless ID
Some travelers are utilizing TSA PreCheck’s Touchless ID program to even further speed up their TSA screening. With Touchless ID, jet-setters enter a designated line where they’re screened using “facial comparison technology.” The TSA states that Touchless ID makes for “faster, more efficient identity verification.”
Utilizing the system is something you set up with your airline before checking in for your flight. You’ll still need a form of physical identification at the airport, just in case. Only certain airlines and airports offer Touchless ID, so check whether it’s available to you.
CLEAR
CLEAR is a privately owned company that’s authorized to offer an expedited TSA experience. However, CLEAR members may also be slowed down if staffing shortages are why security lines at your departure airport are extra long.
CLEAR memberships are annual and significantly more expensive than TSA Pre-Check. At participating locations that offer both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, travelers will be in their own designated lane, bypassing travelers who don’t have both.
Concierge Programs
Concierge airport services usually offer more than an expedited process through airport security. Travelers willing to shell out a pretty penny will likely have a company’s agent escort them from the curb, through the airport (including TSA), and to their gate. The worker may also handle your luggage, watch your belongings as you shop or eat in the airport, and help you with any questions or concerns before boarding. Concierge programs may also include airport lounge access, depending on which one you book. Options like these are provided via independent companies, including SkySquad, SkyVIP, CLEAR via CLEAR Concierge, etc.
Booking availability for these types of services will depend on the company, airport, terminal, and/or your airline. Prices also vary.
Young families who can afford services like these usually find the additional support at the airport helpful.
Alternative Security Lanes
Certain airlines offer expedited TSA experiences and other airport perks to high-ranking members of their loyalty programs. At times like this, it’s definitely worth seeing whether you qualify.
Separately, last year, TSA rolled out designated security lines at select airports for families with small children and military service members and their families.
Reserve Your Spot In Line Ahead Of Time
Select airports across the country allow you to reserve a time slot for your TSA screening before you arrive. Eligibility may depend on the airport terminal.
Flight hubs with free reservation programs include John F. Kennedy International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Denver International, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, and Orlando International.
Choose The Fastest Lane – If You’re Allowed
Some airports have TSA workers direct each traveler to the lane they should use. In those instances, it is always best to follow instructions. However, if you get to choose which line you’re hopping into, make a wise choice.
Lanes with young families or flyers with a lot of luggage can take longer to pass through security and pack up their belongings, slowing the line down overall. Avoiding lines with travelers who may cause time delays usually saves some wait time, even if minimally.
Maybe more importantly, make sure you’re not the passenger holding everyone up. You can do so by preparing to go through TSA properly before you even get in line. Then, during the screening process, sort and place your items strictly following the TSA’s instructions.
What Else Should I Know?
- Do what you can to make going through TSA as fast and smooth as possible for yourself and other travelers. It also benefits airport security officers, who are dutifully doing their jobs while going unpaid.
- Even TSA PreCheck and Clear lines could be lengthy thanks to the perfect storm of factors currently contributing to increased wait times at certain airport security checkpoints. With staffing shortages, those programs may be temporarily unavailable or take longer than usual to get through.
- Wear something you’ll be comfortable in while waiting, just in case. Ensure that nothing you have on will be flagged during your screening process. Also, consider packing snacks, drinks, and a portable charger to keep devices charged and avoid hangriness. Doing so will be especially handy if you’re going to be in a long line or traveling with kids.
- Avoid testing out viral TSA travel hacks, especially if you’re already crunched for time. Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta has already dissuaded domestic travelers from using the international terminal checkpoint for airport security, as the “hack” has caused unnecessary congestion.
- Know how to contact your carrier directly if you miss your flight, choose to rebook, or want to request flight credits.
Extended TSA wait times can be frustrating, stressful, and inconvenient for travelers and TSA agents. With that in mind, extend grace to those working when you can. Additionally, give yourself a generous window between arriving at the airport and heading to your gate. You can also track TSA wait times for the airport you’re flying out of on the flight hub’s website or social media.* Get to the airport early – which you should always do anyway.
An Important Note
*The MyTSA app, which shows wait times for airport security, is not being updated with real-time information during the government shutdown. Also, some airports have suspended their reporting of real-time TSA estimates, opting to share general notices on how long travelers may be in line.
