Whether you’re heading cross country to attend a family reunion or you’re catching the red-eye for an early-morning meeting, there’s only one thing standing between you and your gate: the airport security line. No one likes it, no one wants to go through it, no one wants the stress – yet it’s an unavoidable part of stepping onto that plane.
While waiting, you feel pressured and anxious as you face long waits, potential delays, and last-minute scrambles to find the paperwork you need to present. But while it’s an inevitable part of the airport experience, it doesn’t have to be stressful and anxiety-provoking. With these simple travel hacks, you can ensure your airport security line journey is smooth, fast, and headache-free.
Check out these security line tips, from booking DTW parking early to packing smart, for a streamlined airport experience.
Arrive at the Airport Early
Arriving early is always a good rule of thumb to follow. Not only does this ensure you make your flight on time, it lowers your stress level, especially when faced with unexpected delays through baggage check or security.
- For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
- For international flights, arrive at least threehours ahead.
During peak travel times, you may want to give yourself even more leeway. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to check in at your DTW off-site parking lot, check your bags in at the terminal, and head to security without rushing.
Book Airport Parking Ahead of Time
As an extension of this, it’s wise to book your DTW parking spot early on to avoid circling the airport looking for a decent place to park. Book your airport parking in advance and opt for valet service if you desire, so you can skip the search and head straight to check-in. Plus, pre-booking with services like Valet Connections gives you access to perks such as free shuttles and luggage assistance. You can even sign up for optional services such as car detailing and oil changes so those things can be taken care of while you’re away.
Travel Light
Bringing less stuff can lighten your load – physically and mentally. It stands to reason that the fewer bags you bring with you, the fewer you will have to unpack at the checkpoint. One carry-on and personal item are ideal amounts. Plus, you can navigate the airport easier without schlepping lots of stuff, and you can reduce your baggage fees. Additionally, your chances of the airport losing your luggage go way down. A quality backpack or rolling carry-on with easily accessible compartments will keep you from scrambling for documents at security.
Remove Electronics Early
Before you get to the bins on that conveyor belt of doom, take out your electronics so you’re ready to hit the ground running. Most bottlenecks at security occur when travelers are not prepared.
As you get closer to the belt, take out the following and have them ready:
- Laptop
- Tablet
- E-readers
- Portable chargers or power banks
Better yet, enroll in TSA PreCheck beforehand, which doesn’t require travelers to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. In most airports, including DTW, you can get through security in under five minutes. In addition, innovative programs like CLEAR utilize biometric data so you can skip ahead to the front of the security line entirely. While both options may cost you more, in the end, they will reduce your anxiety — a priceless commodity.
Know the 3-1-1 Rule
Speaking of the 3-1-1 liquids rule, brush up on your knowledge of what this entails so you don’t hold up the line dumping unapproved liquids out in the provided trash cans:
- Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less
- All containers must fit in one quart-sized zip-top bag
- Each traveler is allowed 1 bag
Review the rules at home when packing. At the airport, keep your liquids bag handy in an outer pocket of your carry-on before you reach the scanner.
Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
If loud airports and long security lines make you anxious, consider wearing noise-canceling headphonesto:
- Drown out background noise and chatter
- Listen to calming music or guided meditation
- Get lost in a good podcast or audiobook
When you can remain mentally calm, you feel more in control, even in slow-moving lines!
Dress Simply
When dressing at home for your trip to the airport, keep comfort and simplicity front of mind. Ditch the complex outfits and instead wear:
- Slip-on shoes or sneakers, as they are easy to remove
- Minimal jewelry and accessories
- Clothing without metal parts, such as belts and zippers
- Simple outfits and no layers so you can undress and re-dress quickly
Organize Your Documents
Half the anxiety of the security line involves fumbling for IDs, boarding passes, and travel documents. Before you reach the line:
- Have your driver’s license or passport ready to show
- Screenshot your mobile boarding pass, if applicable, in the event of a poor signal
- Keep all documents in one spot, such as a travel wallet or document pouch
Think Ahead and Enjoy a Smoother Experience
Airport security doesn’t have to spike your anxiety or frustration levels. Take the time to prepare ahead of time and bring a bit of patience with you. From removing electronics early to dressing minimally to booking parking in advance, you can reduce delays and sail through security without a care in the world.
Book DTW Valet Parking Today
Airport travel is stressful enough. Why add to it by winging the parking situation at the last minute? Visit ValetConnections.com or call us today to book your spot well in advance of your next trip through DTW airport security.