How to prepare for airport security
No matter which airport you’re flying from or airline you are travelling with, you’ll need to go through airport security before you can reach your departure gate. While this may sound daunting, these checks are usually quick and non-invasive. We have previously explained exactly what to expect at airport security. However, what can you do to best prepare yourself for a quick and stress-free security check?
In this guide we list our top tips designed to help you and your family get ready for the airport security screening process.
How to get through airport security fast
Once your cases are packed, the car is safely parked, and your hold luggage has been checked in, the only thing between you and starting your holiday is airport security. While everyone understands just why the security process is necessary, this doesn’t stop it feeling like a bit of an inconvenience. However, the truth is, if you prepare and organise yourself, there is no reason why you can’t fly through security effortlessly. Below we take a look at five things you can do to make the security process as smooth as possible.
1. Have your documents ready
By ensuring you have all travel documents close at hand, you can make the entire security process much easier. Passport and boarding pass checks are the first part of airport security. To progress through security, you must produce a valid passport and boarding pass. With this in mind, try to keep these documents in an easily accessible area of your carry-on bag or in a pocket. While this sounds obvious, you’ll be surprised how effective this little bit of extra organisation is. Just watch as you fly past those fellow travellers fumbling in their bags looking for passports and boarding passes!
2. Give yourself plenty of time
Arriving at the airport early can really help to take the stress out of travelling. Remember - you cannot just rock up at the airport and stroll straight onto your flight. You need to allow time for parking the car, checking in, and finding your departure gate. However, the main reason for giving yourself plenty of time is to ensure you don't get caught up in security and miss your flight.
If you’re unsure about how early you should get to the airport, check your airline's own guidelines. As a rule, passengers travelling on short-haul flights should arrive at the airport between two and two-and-a-half hours before departure. For long-haul flights, passengers should aim to arrive four hours before departure.
3. Wear easily removable outer clothing
Part of the security process may require you to remove loose items of clothing such as coats and jackets. You may also be asked to take off your shoes. For this reason, wearing top layers that can be easily removed can be a real time saver. It can also be a good idea to wear easy slip-on shoes, rather than boots or awkward high-tops.
As you also have to remove any metal items from your person, you might want to avoid wearing belts and certain items of jewellery may also be a good idea. While there is no rule against travelling with these items, the fact is you will have to stop and take them off before walking through security scanners. This can slow you down.
4. Organise your hand luggage strategically
One of the biggest security time-savers involves well-organised hand luggage. While items such as electronics and liquids (in containers under 100ml) are allowed to be carried in hand luggage, certain items do have to be removed from your bag and scanned separately. For example, electronic devices such as laptops and tablets will need to be removed and put through the scanner individually. Similarly, all liquids must be in travel-sized containers and placed in transparent plastic bags. As these bags also need to be scanned separately, ensure they are located in an easily accessible area of your carry-on case.
As well as making sure your bag is well packed, make sure it doesn’t contain any prohibited items. If these items are detected, security staff will confiscate them and could authorise a more in-depth search of your luggage. This is time-consuming and could make the security process more stressful. Banned hand luggage items include:
- Liquids/aerosols over 100ml
- Knives, scissors and firearms
- Toy or replica guns
- Fireworks/explosives
- Matches
- More than one cigarette lighter
- Oxidisers such as bleaching powders and hairspray
5. Purchase a fast track pass
For ultimate peace of mind, you can purchase a fast-track security pass. Sold by most airports, these affordable add-ons allow you to skip queues at security. This means you can save time and get your holiday or business trip started earlier in the departure lounge!
Is fast track security at Liverpool airport worth it?
If long queues annoy you or make you feel anxious, fast track security passes at Liverpool are worth it. They can dramatically reduce your queuing time, which in turn gives you more time to enjoy a relaxing period in the departure lounge before you board. This is perfect if you want to grab a bite to eat or do some last-minute shopping before your flight. Fast track passes are also a great option if you are travelling with small children or as part of a large party. When combined with LJLA fast track family parking, fast track security passes can save you some serious time, allowing you to start your holiday that bit earlier.
