We never want to be that person—the one in the airport security line who just can't get it together and then holds everyone up—especially with the recent record-breaking long lines. This may be due to a lack of airport experience, nervous energy, or the fact that you simply have too many things on your mind to focus. Whatever the reason, there's no need to be the one fellow travellers huff and puff over. We tapped flight attendant Tara Stilley (she's travelled a zillion times, so she clearly knows what she's talking about) to spill on the items that slow you down most at the airport.
Keep scrolling to check what not to wear through the security line. Plus, go a bit further to shop perfect pieces for travel.
"Bulky jackets or oversize, loose clothing requires extra screening by TSA when worn through security. Also, fumbling with jackets being carried while trying to place shoes though the scanners and pulling liquids and laptops out definitely holds up the line." — Tara Stilley
Shop a non-bulky jacket:
It's always smart to keep a jacket on hand in case it gets chilly—and we love how forward-feeling this army iteration looks.
"Shoes should be easy to take on and off. Boots with tons of laces or straps that require extra attention to take on or off slows things down on both sides of the security line. I usually wear sandals, anything you can slip on or off without requiring the use of both hands. Sometimes passengers qualify for pre-check, which allows them to leave their shoes on while going through security. Be careful with these—many high heels have nails in them that can set off the body scanners and will have to be taken off and put through the X-ray scanner, thus slowing down the line." — Tara Stilley
Shop perfect travel sneakers:
Slip-on sneakers like these are the best shoe style to breeze through airport security.
"Jewellery is kind of a no-brainer. Every passenger goes through a body scanner that is detecting certain metals, but it's hard to say what exactly it is they are looking for. Typically, I've seen metal bangles (bracelets) can pose a problem. Gold, silver, or other precious metals don't seem to be much of a problem." —Tara Stilley
Shop a necklace you won't need to take off:
And it's cute to boot.
"As for hair accessories, I've been told by a couple of co-workers that sometimes kirby grips have set off the scanners. Wouldn't hurt to just avoid metal hair accessories altogether." — Tara Stilley
Shop a headband to replace metal hair accessories:
This floral headband can add instant style to the most basic ensemble.
"Luggage is always problematic. Passengers bringing too many bags through security make the lines longer. There is more opportunity to forget about liquids or other things that are supposed to be removed. Also, it helps to stay organised and keep laptops and liquids near the surface and easily accessible. Avoid bringing plastic or paper bags through, too. I've seen passengers trying to put bags through the X-ray scanners that don't zipper or securely close and having to mess with it to make sure it stays upright and doesn't fall over and spill out while going through. It also makes it easier to overfill the bags, making it more likely to get knocked over at some point during the security checkpoint process. My advice is to be able to zip it and forget it." — Tara Stilley
Shop a perfect travel tote:
Ditch the standard bag you've used for years, and go for something sleeker like this Clare V. tote. Bonus? It's great for a daily work bag, too.
Shop more items perfect for traveling:
We suggest purchasing this blouse one size up for that cozy yet cool oversized look.
Why deal with laces at all when you can just slide these on and off? These are particularly ideal if you're going on a business trip and need to look more professional.
Your answer to the university jogging trousers you may have worn in the past.
Related: Kim Kardashian's £48 Dress Is the Ultimate Holiday Throw-On Piece
This soft scarf can double as a blanket if just that jacket won't suffice for the airplane's chilly AC.
If you're going to go for jeans on the plane, select a pair that's a little loose, with stretch for extreme comfort.
Related: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Just Wore the Most Chic Airport Outfit Ever
This snuggly sweater is perfect to curl up in on a long flight—and looks great with jeans for sightseeing on your trip.
What items slow you down most at the airport? Let us know in the comments below.
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