Travel days are hectic enough without the stress and worry about a potential misstep at the airport. No one likes to wait in those long security lines and dig through your bag to pull out everything for the scanners. Below are my tips on how to best navigate airport security, immigration, and customs for a hassle-free experience.
First, let’s go over the difference between security, customs, and immigration.
- Customs is about items you are carrying with you. Often, if you are not declaring anything, you will not have to speak with an officer. Depending on the type of goods and their quantities, you many be charged a duty or fee.
- Immigration, also called passport control or border control, is about people traveling from one country to another. Typically, immigration is mandatory, and you need to speak with an officer before your passport is stamped.
- Security involves checking your ID, scanning luggage, and screening passengers (either through a scanner or X-ray machine). These checkpoints are often placed between check-in areas and concourses; although, in some areas, the security checkpoint may be closer to individual gates.
Security Tips
1. Get There Early
- Arrive at the airport early so you are not stressing, forgetful, or suspicious looking while waiting in line.
- The general rule is to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.
2. Check In Online
Check in online to skip that line. Even if you need to check a bag, often those kiosk lines move more quickly than the full check-in line.
3. Have Your ID Ready
Have your ID (driver’s license or passport) and boarding pass ready in line. Do not wait until right before you reach the officer to have them in hand.
4. Choose The Right Line
- Look at who is in the security line rather than the length of the line. Families with children or senior citizens typically take longer than business travelers.
- Head for the outer lanes. Most people will go straight to get in line.
5. Dress For Security
- Pick the right outfit. Comfortable clothes are ideal. Bulky layers can block the scanner and you may be asked to remove items or allow a physical pat down.
- Wear socks and choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
- People over 75 are usually exempt from removing their shoes and jackets.
- I suggest packing jewelry in your bag for ease; however, in many countries you can wear minimal jewelry through security without removing them for the scanner.
6. Pack Your Bag Wisely
- Have liquids in a clear, quart-size bag at the top of your luggage. There should be no other liquids in your carry-on bag except for medications and nourishment for infants and children.
- No full-size toiletries or water bottles in your bag!
- Electronics and snacks should also be easily accessible in case you are asked to remove these as well.
- I organize my clothes in packing cubes which also makes it easier for security to sort through and replace if necessary.
7. Organize Your Medications
- Medication can travel in carry-on or checked baggage but I recommend you keep it in your carry-on in case your checked bag is lost or misplaced. In your carry on, the medication is also on hand if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
- TSA does not require you to have medication in its original prescription bottle, but individual states or other countries may, so it is safest to have a prescription or the original container with you.
- Liquid medication can be over 3.4 ounces (100 millimeters) in reasonable quantities for the flight.
- Pills or solid medication can be carried on the flight in amounts you need for your trip.
8. Choose The Right Checkpoint
If you can find a less busy checkpoint, it is sometimes worth the extra walk for a shorter line.
9. Trusted Traveler Programs
- Join a trusted traveler program such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Clear for a smoother security and customs process.
- These programs allow travelers to move through security faster by not requiring them to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets.
- At some checkpoints and airports, there are dedicated security lines, kiosks, and e-gates as well.
Customs and Border Protection/Immigration Tips
1. Use Mobile Passport Control
- Use the free Mobile Passport Control app at airports which have designated Mobile Passport lines. The app will prompt you to answer declaration questions and take a selfie, then give you a QR code to use for immigration.
- This backfired on me once. Because we arrived at a low-traffic time, there weren’t enough officials to have the Mobile Passport line open, so we had to go through the regular lines anyway.
2. Know Each Country’s Rules
Do a little research ahead of your trip so you do not unknowingly break any rules or procedures. Find out visa requirements, mandatory documentation, and forms you will need.
3. Declare Your Purchases
Keep receipts for purchases together and handy so that you can fill out your customs declaration forms easily.
4. Do Not Bring Prohibited Foods Through Customs
Do not travel with fruits, vegetables, or meat through customs because many countries restrict the import of these items.
5. Have A Passport Copy
Carry a scan or photocopy of your passport when you travel. If your passport is lost or stolen you can use this to get an expedited replacement and officials may accept the copy at immigration.
6. Be Courteous
Be polite, patient, and follow all orders by officials. There is no need to aggravate anyone and causing problems may delay or halt your trip.
7. Know Your Checked Baggage Process
Understand if your baggage will be checked through to your final destination or if you will need to collect your checked bags and check them in again.
- When booking international flights, make sure to leave enough time between connections in case you need to go through the steps to re-check your bag.
- The typical process:
- Go through immigration or passport control
- Go to baggage claim to pick up your bag(s)
- Go through customs
- Check the bag(s) back in for your next flight
8. Bring A Pen
Have a pen ready so you can fill out your forms without waiting for someone else’s pen.
- Know the name and address of where you are staying and have your reservation on hand for reference.
- You may also need proof of departure (date and ticket).
9. Walk Fast
When all else fails, walk fast. If you can hustle through the airport, the quicker you get to immigration, and the lines and wait time will be shorter.
I hope these tips will help you the next time you go through security and customs! What advice do you have? Comment below!