Even the most frequent of travelers must endure the process of going through security lines at the airport. What these travelers know helps them cut down the amount of time and hassle they have to go through to make the process simpler.
We want to make sure everyone has these essential tips on how to get through airport security faster.*
Before you even travel, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck. Typically, it will help you skip the long lines and trouble of repacking bags and avoid the uncertainty of what to expect from screening. It’s likely the easiest way to get through airport security more quickly.
“May I see your ID please?”
Regardless if you use the PreCheck line or regular line, have your photo identification (Driver’s license or Passport) out and ready for inspection before you reach the TSA screening agent.
(Note: if you want to skip photo ID, sign up for CLEAR which uses biometric scanning to identify travelers.)
If you are traveling with others every one should carry their ID’s and boarding passes, unless they are unable to.
Hey Parents! Children under 18 are not required to show identification for the children. They should stay with you during the entire screening process.
Have you tried MSP Reserve for TSA security lanes at terminals 1 & 2? Learn more about it here.
What to wear to get through security faster
On the day of travel skip the belts, jewelry and coats OR put them in your carryon so you can put them on AFTER screening.
Wear pants or a skirt that has pockets so you can keep your ID and boarding pass handy. We also like the document holders you can hang around your neck for extra security.
Some airports will post security wait times on their website that you can check ahead of leaving for the airport, but know that things can change quickly so they should be used with caution. You can check the MSP Airport security wait time online.
What goes in the bins and what stays in your carry-on in security
Liquids
While most airports don’t require you to separate your liquids from your carryon bag, they are still subject to the 3-1-1 rule:
- Liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 fl oz or smaller (you cannot bring a half-full 6 oz bottle)**
- All liquids must fit in a 1-gallon sized clear plastic bag
- Each passenger may bring only 1 bag of approved liquids
- Liquids include gels and aerosols (like hairspray, deodorant, toothpaste)
**Exemptions on this rule include medications and infant and child nourishment
Get more tips on the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule
While you can’t bring a bottle of water through security, we recommend packing an empty bottle for a water fill-up as you head to your gate. It’ll save you money on buying water at the airport and help reduce plastic waste throughout your trip.
Food
Bringing your own snacks along is smart and a great way to curb hunger pains, keep kids happy and save money. But remember that they are subject to the liquids rule, so no juice, applesauce, pudding, etc. Snacks can be kept inside your carry-on bag during screening.
Electronics
Your laptop, tablet and any other electronic device larger than a cell phone will often need to be placed in a bin without anything below or over them. Some security checkpoints may allow you to keep them in your carryon, so verify but be prepared.
Pro Tip: label electronics with your name and contact information in case they get separated from you at security or to help you tell them apart in the bins on the belt.
Other Helpful Tips
Bringing a gift? If your gift is wrapped doesn’t pass through screening, the agent may require you to unwrap it so they can inspect it. Our recommendation, skip the wrapping paper and go for a gift bag instead.
The TSA reports that nearly 100,000 items are left by passengers at the security checkpoints each month. Make sure you don’t leave any of your things behind.
Empty your pockets of your wallet, loose change and keys before going through screening. We recommend putting them in your carry on before approaching the screening line instead of leaving them loose in the tray and subject to being lost or taken.
Hooray! You made it through security
After passing through the metal detector, grab all of your items from the conveyer and head off to the side to repack your bags. It will help keep the line moving if you don’t stand at the belt to regroup. Most airports have tables and chairs set up for passengers nearby just for this purpose.
Before you leave the screening area do a double check to make sure you have everything you came with including your shoes, coat, electronics, bags, and ID. You can put your ID away in a secure spot at this point, you won’t need it to board the plane.
We hope these tips on how to get through airport security faster work for you. The most important thing you can do is pack your patience and allow plenty of time to get through security, so you don’t miss your flight in case the line is very long.
Next, check out our article on what to do at the airport, step by step.
*7/2/2026: Information deemed accurate as of the writing of this article. Please check for most current requirements at TSA.gov