Tips and Tricks for Making Airport Security Less Stressful

Air travel can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to airport security. The long lines, the tedious searches of your belongings, and the anxiety of potentially missing your flight can all add up to create a very unpleasant experience. But fear not, as there are ways to make the airport security process significantly less stressful. Actor Tim Matheson, known for his roles in movies like Animal House and TV shows like The West Wing, has some tips and tricks that can make airport security a little easier to handle.

Make a List and Minimize
One of the main things that Tim suggests is to make a list of what you’re taking before you even start packing. This helps you to consider what you need and what you can do without. By creating a list, you can also ensure that you don’t forget anything important. It’s also a good idea to minimize the amount of stuff you’re bringing with you. This will not only make airport security less stressful, but it will also make your journey more comfortable. The less you have to carry, the easier it is to move around.

Categorize Your Belongings
Another tip from Tim is to categorize your belongings. This can really speed things up when you’re going through security. By separating out the items that need to be taken out and put separately through the scanner, like electronics and liquids, you can quickly grab them and move on. This saves you from having to rummage through your bag at the security checkpoint, putting you in the good graces of the TSA agents.

Check as Many Bags as Possible
Tim also advises that you check as many bags as possible. This means that you can avoid carrying things like luggage through the airport, which can be cumbersome and tiring. Checked bags will not only lighten your load, but they will also be screened without you present, saving you some time in the security process.

Come One Hour Early, Not Two
While it might seem like more time is always better when it comes to airport travel, Tim suggests that arriving one hour early is sufficient. This is especially true if you’re traveling domestically. The extra time may give you the opportunity to grab a coffee, browse through a bookstore, or simply relax for a bit before your flight. However, if you’re traveling internationally or with a larger group, then it’s advisable to arrive two hours before your flight.

Purchase Tickets Far in Advance
Another tip from Tim is to purchase tickets as far in advance as possible. This not only ensures that you get the best deal, but it also gives you the luxury of choosing your seat and avoiding last-minute panic buys. When you have tickets in hand and have already checked in, you can go straight to security without any added stress.

Have Proper ID at the Ready
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to have proper identification at the ready when going through security. This includes your passport, driver’s license or state ID, and any other documents that may be required for your journey. Having your identification ready to go will make the security process more efficient and less stressful.

In Conclusion
Following these tips from Tim Matheson can help make airport security a lot less stressful. By making a list, categorizing your belongings, checking as many bags as possible, arriving on time, purchasing tickets far in advance, and having proper identification at the ready, you can make your airport experience more pleasant and enjoyable. However, these tips are just the beginning of what you can do to make the airport security portion of your travel easier. What other tricks and hacks do you have for getting through airport security quickly and with minimal stress?