One of the worst things about flying for a family vacation is the long lines at the airport. Yet, standing in those airport lines is still better than driving for days to your vacation destination. So, is there anything you can do to help your family go through airport lines quickly? And avoid the airport crowds? Absolutely! Today, I am going to share what your family can do to get through airport lines quickly for your next family vacation.  

How to Go Through Airport Lines Quickly 

Apply for TSA Pre Check 

Have you seen the line for TSA Pre Check off to the side at airport security? Maybe you have noticed that the TSA Pre Check line is almost always empty. Or moving faster than the speed of light. Well, that’s because the TSA Pre Check line does move quickly.  

In fact, applying for TSA Pre Check is one of the best ways to go through airport lines quickly!  

Yes, you need to fill out an application, have an in-person interview, go through a background check, and have your fingerprints taken. Oh, and pay a fee. However, once you are approved, you can breeze through the TSA Pre Check line every time you fly for five years.  

When you use this line at the security checkpoint, you won’t need to remove your shoes or belt. You also won’t need to remove electronics or liquids from your carry-on bags.  

The best part is children up to the age of seventeen can go through this line with you. Even if they don’t have their own approved application.  

Apply for Global Entry 

TSA Pre Check is great when it comes to going through airport lines quickly. But it won’t help you as much if you fly internationally a lot. If your family loves to travel internationally, I recommend you apply for Global Entry.  

With Global Entry, you can usually avoid the long lines at customs when you arrive back in the US. The best part is TSA Pre Check is included with your Global Entry. So, you don’t need to sign up for both. And Global Entry is good for five years, just like TSA Pre Check.  

The only downside to Global Entry is all your kids will need their own membership. They will not be allowed to use yours like they can with TSA Pre Check.  

Sign Up for a Frequent Flyer Program 

If you happen to fly with one airline all the time, sign up for their frequent flyer program. This will allow you to use the check-in line for those designated travelers. Another benefit you will receive is priority boarding.  

Utilize Mobile and Curbside Check-In 

Utilizing mobile check-in is the easiest route when you are not checking a bag at the airport. Simply check-in twenty-four hours prior to your departure and then head to the security line at the airport.  

If you do need to check bags, and you probably will for a family vacation, consider doing it curbside. The lines out at the curb are usually much shorter. So, you can hand your bags off and be on your way much faster.  

Wear Appropriate Clothing 

If you haven’t signed up for TSA Pre Check yet, it is important to wear the appropriate clothing while traveling. Slip on shoes will make it much easier to get them off and back on again at security. Try to avoid wearing belts, bulky sweatshirts, and lots of jewelry. All those things can take time to remove prior to being screened.  

Know All the TSA Rules 

There are quite a few rules you must be aware of when it comes to the TSA and security checkpoints. The most important one though is the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. You are allowed a quart sized bag of liquids that are less than 3.4 ounces.  

If you try to take more than that, you will be stopped. And your liquids will be tossed.  

Other rules include the removal of all electronic devices like laptops and tablets.  

Avoid Travel on the Busiest Days 

One of the best ways to avoid long airport lines is to not travel on the busiest days. Fridays and Mondays are normally peak travel days. So are the days around major holidays and school breaks.  

Consider flying in the middle of the week to avoid massive airport lines.  

These are the best ways to go through airport lines quickly when you are traveling as a family or on your own. I recommend you take advantage of these tips and utilize the ones that will work best for your travel adventures. This way you can spend more of your time having fun and making memories instead of standing in long lines at the airport.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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