Advisor Connect
Help Center
Contact Us
800-826-5248
United States
Canada
Hong Kong
Ireland
Israel
Italia
Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
UAE
"A lot of studies show that going through security checkpoints is the most stressful part of the airport experience," said Saouli. "As we are fully aware of this fact, security staff are trained to give extra care to elderly people and families with children. On peak days, we even have special lanes at security for people traveling with kids because they are often traumatized to have to put their stuffed toys through the X-ray."
How to get through airport security stress-free
10/28/2016
Whether you're traveling with kids or simply have a lot of items in your carry-on bag, getting through airport security can be stressful. The long lines and rush to get to your gate on time for your flight only adds to the overwhelming experience. However, there are travel tips and tricks that can help people avoid the anxiety associated with getting through airport security. Here are a few ways to ensure your next experience with security is stress-free.
1. Take note of TSA rules
The Transportation Security Administration has specific rules about what you can bring onto the plane in your carry-on and how to get your items through the security checkpoint. For example, you can't take more than 100 milliliters of liquid onto an aircraft. If you have more, airport officials will ask you to dispose of it.
Other belongings like medication and electronics should be placed in an easily accessible space in your bag so you don't have to shuffle everything around while the person behind you in line waits. However, be sure to declare amounts larger than 3.4 ounces, which is the standard limit of medically necessary gels, liquids, and aerosols, to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. All of these have to go in a separate container for the X-ray machine. Forgetting to remove them from your carry-on will cause the line to stop and officials to search through your bag.
2. Use family lanes
If you and your loved ones are embarking on family travel, most airports have special lanes to accommodate parents and their children. Fatiha Saouli, a spokesperson for Aéroports de Paris, told Conde Nast Traveler that research has found that travelers, especially those with families, consider going through security to be one of the worst parts of their trips.
Not only will you get to skip the long lines that usually snake around airport security, but these special family lanes have extra space for large items, such as strollers, and are equipped to handle travelers with toddlers and babies in tow.
3. Get to the airport extra early
Getting to the airport a few hours before your flight is something that all experienced travelers would recommend. There's nothing worse than being pressed for time and finding that the line for airport security is going to take longer than you have. It's common for unexpected events to occur, such as being selected for a bag screening, which can tack on a significant amount of time before you'll get to your gate.
At most airports, officials will try to help travelers in a rush get to their flights on time. If you didn't plan ahead and are going to miss your flight if you continue to wait in line, ask a nearby staff member to assist you in moving to the front. No matter how stressed you are, it's always best to be polite to the airport security officials. They're working to ensure everyone is safe, which can be stressful as well. It's always a good idea to be polite to airport staff, as they'll be less likely to assist you if you're rude or aggressive.
Wherever your travels may take you, a great trip requires planning, reliable information (like Travel Guard Travel News articles) and a little bit of luck. And seasoned travelers know that when you travel, no matter how much you plan, sometimes things happen. When you run into unexpected issues, Travel Guard travel protection plans are here for you. If you're new to travel insurance, we have several pages that can help you compare plans and provide examples of why you should buy travel insurance for your upcoming trip.
Questions?
Call us at: 800-826-5248
Copyright © 2025, Travel Guard. Non insurance services are provided by Travel Guard.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement | Our Underwriter | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information | About AIG Ads | Cookie Policy |
Coverage available to residents of U.S. states and the District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. Similar travel insurance coverage, offered by Travel Guard or another insurance provider, may be available through a variety of other sources, but may be subject to different terms and conditions (i.e. benefits, limits, exclusions, etc.). You may wish to compare the terms and conditions of this policy with those of your existing life, health, home and automobile insurance policies, as well as any other coverage which you may already have or is available to you, including through other insurers, as a member of an organization, or through your credit card program(s). If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. (Travel Guard). California lic. no.0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482, www.travelguard.com. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-HELP. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 37th FL, New York, NY 10020-1304. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Travel assistance services provided by Travel Guard.