Try to fly out of smaller and less crowded airports. Also fly during non-peak times. Some airports--like New York's JFK and Chicago O'Hare--will always be crowded. Choose to fly out of another airport that is still in the area.
Avoid flying in the early morning or late afternoon peak flying times. Flying in the late morning and early afternoon is a less crowded time to fly, and there will be shorter lines.
Check in online at home 24 hours or less before your flight departure time. You can print out your ticket and go straight to the security line. If you do not have access to a computer or printer before your flight, you can check in at self check-in kiosks at the airport, which usually have shorter lines.
Pack a suitcase or bag that will fit in the overhead space on the airplane. You may have to wait in a long line to check your bag at the airport. If you take your bag on the plane with you and check in online, you can go straight to the security line. You do not have to wait for your bag at baggage claim at your arrival airport.
Become a Clear Registered Traveler. The Clear program does not operate at every airport, but it is expanding and operates at major airports where you would have long lines--including Washington Dulles, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. Rather than standing in line at the security checkpoint, a Clear Registered Traveler can walk up to the Clear kiosk, insert the Clear card, scan his finger and iris, and continue to the luggage scan. See Resources.
Become trusted traveler in the Global Entry Program to avoid long lines at U.S. Customs when entering the United States from a foreign country. You can initially apply online, but then need to have an interview at an enrollment center before you can be accepted. Once accepted, you will be given a "smart card" that can be scanned at Global Entry Program kiosks located at U.S. Customs at certain U.S. international airports. This is a much faster way to get through customs and on to another connecting flight in the United States. Click on the "Global Entry Program" link under Resources for information on how to apply.
