5 Airport Security Hacks for Stress-Free Travel
Spend less time in line at these airports with a few little-known airport security hacks.
Avoid long lines at security with these travel tips and airport hacks, so you’ll be gate-side in no time.
Fly through security at the world’s busiest airport
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in the world with more than 107million passengers navigating its terminals in 2018, so long security lines are expected. Domestic travelers with no checked baggage can take advantage of this secret hack to avoid being parked in mile-long security lines. Atlanta’s international terminal is open to all travelers and often features security wait times half that of its domestic counterparts. To take advantage of this hidden gem, travelers will need to be flying carry-on only and print or download their boarding passes ahead of time. (Only Delta passengers can print their tickets in the international terminal.) Then, simply take the Plane Train to your designated concourse.
To further cut down on travel time to and through the airport, choose a parking provider that provides a shuttle service directly to the international terminal.
Uncover Denver International Airport’s secret security line
While Denver International Airport (DEN) is known for its impressive security queues and wait times, one secret airport hack in the Mile High City allows travelers to fly through security in no time. Open every day from 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., the A bridge security checkpoint regularly boasts wait times half that of the airport’s other security lanes. To access this hidden airport gem, remain on the upper level of the Jeppesen Terminal, walk across the pedestrian bridge and proceed through security in record time. After passing through the TSA checkpoint you’ll find yourself nearest to Concourse A, but a short walk will deliver you to the train to take you to Concourses B and C.
Make domestic travel easier from the Windy City
As the busiest airport in the United States by total flights, many travelers can attest to what a headache Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) can be. Domestic travelers looking to depart from the Windy City have a viable alternative to the notoriously bustling airport at Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW). Closer to the downtown area, Midway Airport is ideal for business travelers. As the smaller Chicago airport, Midway experiences fewer flight delays and less foot traffic, resulting in less time spent at security and fewer travel headaches.
Book a night and skip the line at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Guests at The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport have an added amenity to the hotel’s prime location spot: a private security entrance located directly in the hotel lobby. The hotel is located within the airport’s McNamara Terminal and is ideal for business travelers looking for accommodations close to the airport, as well as leisure travelers who would like to relax and catch some Z’s during a long layover. Check with the hotel to ensure the security lane is open during your departure time.
Head down a level to save on time at John F. Kennedy
As one of three major airports servicing the most populated city in the U.S., security lines at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) can reach record levels. Terminal 4, the international terminal, is perhaps the biggest offender of mile-long security lines. To skip the line, and perhaps half your wait time, check in and drop your bag, then head down to the first-floor arrivals area to experience a far less -crowded TSA checkpoint between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.