Security Shortcuts: WSJ on “Gates Less Traveled”
In the Wall Street Journal Article The Gate Less Traveled - With Terminal Waits Set to Rise, We Find Faster Security Lines, reporter Conor Dougherty reveals some secrets for getting through security faster at several airports. The key is to find the terminals with out-of-the-way screening checkpoints.
At Detroit Metro Airport, travelers can get through security via the terminal’s Westin hotel, where the wait is often less than a minute.
When flying JetBlue out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, the checkpoint farthest from the escalator (next to Dunkin’ Donuts), has a line that’s often half as long as the next one over.
At the Dallas airport, once flyers pass through security, they can travel to any terminal via train. Doughterty advises taking a speedy line (typically at the ends of each terminal.) Terminal A, for American flights typically has short lines. The best checkpoint is on the northernmost point of the terminal, beside gate A12.
At O’Hare International, Go to the southern end of Terminal 1. Where a fast checkpoint takes you into Terminal 2. If you turn right — down a dark and narrow hallway — you’ll end up on the secure side of Terminal 1.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the lines leading to “B” and “D” gates of Terminal 4 (America West and U.S. Airways) are usually the shortest. Moving walkways can take you to the other gates.
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Another tip for O’hare passengers flying out of Terminal 3 (American and Delta). After checking in, walk all the way down to the south end of the terminal near the Delta counters. There is a security checkpoint that is not clearly marked and usually is three to four times faster than the security lines in the north side of the terminal.
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