So you’re heading out on a business trip and you want to be sure you’re ready for anything and everything that comes your way. How do you manage airport security and ensure that your business trip is smooth sailing? Traveling for business by airplane can often be a source of stress and inconvenience. Long lines, strict regulations, and the fear of missing a flight can take away the fun of traveling for business. However, with the right knowledge and preparation you can navigate airline security with ease.
This guide will give you tips and tricks of the trade to help make business travel at airports effortless. Because after all, the quicker you can get through security, the less time you have to plan to arrive at the airport ahead of time. Keep reading to get tips for hassle-free aviation security.
Preparing in advance for airport security
We all know the rules of the game: clear your pockets, take your shoes off, take out your electronic devices and put them in a separate bin, and whatever you do, don’t take liquids weighing more than 100 ml or 3 fl. Oz and chug your water before you go through security. As far as that, we’re all prepared. How can you make it go faster? Prepare in advance. Review and understand all the security regulations and research airport-specific guidelines and procedures. Technology is changing rapidly, so nowadays you may find airports that don’t make you empty your water bottles before passing through security.
Pack strategically
Packing strategically can help you streamline the security process. Chances are if you’re traveling for business, you won’t have a lot of stuff. Consult our packing list to keep it to the bare minimum. Keep your carry-on items organized in ziplock bags for easy inspection. Be sure to take off metal accessories and jewelry before going through the metal detectors.
When you are getting close to the front of the line, start getting prepared. Take out your laptop, your ziplock bag with toiletries, take off metal accessories and shoes, and place them in the bins. Remove anything from your pockets and get your documents ready like boarding pass and passport. The faster you get ready to go through security, the faster it will be.
Dress for airport security success
When it comes time to choose what you are going to wear for traveling, opt for comfortable and travel-friendly business attire, and easy-to-remove shoes like flats and loafers. That will save you time having to unlace and lace up your shoes.
Have a backup plan
There may be delays in security, but if you arrive with plenty of time in advance, you can be sure to be productive while on the road. To prepare for navigating aviation security with ease, you will need to arrive well ahead of time, so take your laptop, find a place to connect to Wi-Fi and plug in, and maximize your time while at the airport. You may even be able to plan some bleisure time
Navigating aviation security checkpoints
We all know it’s a hassle to get to the airport and have to wait for hours, but it just goes with the business travel game. Check out our tips for traveling by airplane for business. Being sure to arrive at the airport with ample time will keep you from having to stress about missing your flight, because it only takes arriving a little late to have to bite the consequences. As goes Murphy’s law “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”
To better navigate aviation security, utilize online check-in and mobile boarding passes. Keeping it all on your phone will help you remove the risk of accidentally misplacing your boarding pass, and keep your passport or ID card in a readily accessible place. Understanding security checkpoint procedures will help you fast track through.
Global entry and TSA PreCheck
For those of you who are frequently traveling for business in the USA, you may want to consider global entry and TSA PreCheck. By exploring expedited screening programs, including eligibility criteria and the application process, you can speed up the process and reduce wait times at the airport.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents to expedite security checks at the airport. It is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. Essentially you must apply online or in person and once accepted, according to TSA statistics passengers with TSA PreCheck waited less than 5 minutes in security lines. The good part is that you don’t have to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.
Global entry
Global Entry is a great option for non-US citizens. For pre-approved, low-risk travelers, they can experience expedited clearance upon arrival to the US at the border. Members essentially enter through automatic kiosks at select airports. For those who travel frequently to the US from abroad for business, this is a great way to expedite clearance at customs.
Staying informed and up-to-date
You can follow official airport and airline social media accounts to be prepared for delays, and be able to contact colleagues or those who you will be meeting with to inform of delays. Find out more tips on how to handle flight delays. Keep up to date on changes in security-related protocols and procedures. And when booking with a travel management platform like GetGoing, when push comes to shove, know that you have access to expert service and assistance.
Moral of the story: be prepared for the unexpected with corporate travel
Hopefully you won’t have to deal with flight delays, long security lines and additional screenings, but the secret to being able to handle such unexpected situations is to be prepared. Arriving with plenty of time before your flight, enrolling in special expedited programs for frequent travelers, and being aware of protocols and procedures will help make sure you have a smooth and hassle-free business trip.
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