How to Speed Through Airport Security
Traveling is one of life’s greatest experiences. You can climb the tallest mountains of Tibet, discover the deepest caves of Colombia or bask in the sun on the beaches of Belize.
When travelling you spend a lot of time lining up in places like airports, train stations and bus depots. Waiting is the name of the game for travellers so you can either develop the patience of a saint or find a way to make it go faster.
Here are three ways to help you get through airport security a little bit quicker:
Sign Up for Nexus
Think of Nexus as your free pass through all the squinty-eyed suspicion that airport security gives you on your way to the gate. Nexus is a Canada-U.S. joint program that allows pre-approved, low risk travellers to cross the border without all the hassle of long lineups and baggage searches.
To qualify for a Nexus card, you have to be eligible to cross both borders; have never been convicted of a serious crime; and have no recorded customs, immigration or agriculture violations. Both Canada and the U.S. have to approve your application in order to be successful. Find out more on the Canadian Border Security website.
Know Before You Go
Air travel has become a focal point for security in recent years and it’s been a rocky road for travellers as they try to adjust to the new restrictions. If you don’t want to end up explaining to airport officials how that power cord wrapped around your clock radio is not a bomb, head to the CATSA website to learn what you can carry-on safely.
The rules can be pretty tricky sometimes and it pays to phone your airline ahead of time if you have any questions. For instance, you can have up to 100 ml of liquid and scissors with blades not exceeding 6 cm. Get to know the rules and save some time.
Pack Like a Champ
Airport security officials don’t like to guess what's in your luggage and they don’t like surprises. You’ll want to double check that any items security needs to check are out and ready to be inspected - such as your laptop. Your medication has to be packed in their proper prescription bottles, your liquids and solids are labelled and stored in clear containers and all electronics are easily accessible and turned on for staff to examine.
Be a conservative packer and take only what you need. If there are trip interruptions due to security issues, travel insurance can protect you against unexpected costs like hotel bills and meal expenses.
Now you’re ready to take on airport security so always keep these rules and restrictions. Bon voyage, friends!
**Personal note: The power cord wrapped around a clock thing actually did happen to a friend of mine. There were bomb dogs involved.**