Traveling is an exciting adventure from the moment you decide where you want to go. However, there’s one factor that we all must encounter to get to our final destination, and that’s TSA. Technically known as Transportation Security Administration, they are the people that hold authority over the security of the traveling public in and out of the United States. Long waiting lines and man-handling of our most precious cargo are only the least of your concerns. Since the pandemic, this process has turned into a whole other ball game.

Need to make your much-anticipated trip a smooth one? Check out these 6 Tips To Expedite Your Time Through TSA During COVID: 

1. Get Comfortably Masked Up. According to the CDC, it is still recommended that all passengers 2 and up, wear masks throughout the airport and on flights. However, lugging around heavy carry-ons and actually making it to your gate without breaking a sweat is inevitable. Make sure to choose a well-made and breathable mask that you don’t have to adjust and mess around with often.

2. Opt for the metal detector. If handicap, injured, or with child/children, you can request to go through the metal detector. Not only will you avoid the line for the full-body scan, but for children, they will save time as they do not require them to take off their shoes. 

3. Put questionable items at the top of the bag. When you pack items you’re not too sure will set off their alarm to do a bag check, your best bet is to just pack these items at the top of your bag before you get to the airport or in the TSA line. Questionable items like solid soaps, powder, electronics, hair tools, and food, that are not necessarily spelled out not to take out, should just be packed at the top of your bag. That way you can easily take them out and place them in a separate bin or if selected for bag check, they don’t have to rummage through all of your precise folding. 

4. Simple is best. This is the time for joggers and loose-fitting clothes. Leave the heels, fancy belts, double chains, and bracelets in the bag. Go for easy in and easy out clothing to expedite your time. 

5. Choose your footwear wisely. Unlacing shoes, zipping down boots, and unclasping heels take up time. Wear slip-on boots, slides, sandals, mules, or flip-flops if the weather permits. With slides and mules, you can even double them up with socks if you tend to get cold on the plane. Plus, who wants to be running through the airport in heels when they’re cutting it close to boarding time? 

6. Be ready when it’s your turn. This might be everyone’s travel pet-peeve. Not being ready to unload your goods when it’s your turn in line to grab a bin, is the absolute worse. Make sure to take your headphones off, get off the phone or stop talking to all the people around you before you make it to the bins. Don’t be that guy. 

7. TSA Pre-Check. When all else fails, dish out the money and just pay for the TSA Pre-Check. With a 5-year, $85 membership, you can speed through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. Win!