Three simplest TSA hacks which will help travelers survive airport chaos

Airports and travel hubs across the United States are preparing for the holiday rush at an unprecedented time in aviation, with even longer lines than usual expected across the country.

This is because the seemingly never ending saga of chronic underemployment at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been cruelly compounded by the shutdown of the federal government.

These shortages in the most dreaded part of any vacation, getting through airport security, have led to many travel experts to caution travellers to leave even more time to get on their flights, as well as to expect frequent delays.

With these issues practically guaranteed over the coming weeks, there are three major things you can do before getting to the airport that should speed you through security.

As ever, you cannot really put a monetary value on your own time, or even sanity, so some frequent travellers may want to take advantage of the TSA PreCheck.

This service requires some pre-planning and legwork, but can see you skip the lines and avoid having to take every drop of liquid out of your bags. You also don't have to remove your shoes and belt, so it adds some much-needed dignity to your journey too.

To use TSA PreCheck, you have to apply through their website and complete a 10-minute interview to establish that you are a low-risk individual. If approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number.

You have to use this when booking your journey to take advantage of the shorter lines, with a PreCheck symbol being printed on your ticket so that security knows which queue to put you in.

Most passengers get through in less than 10 minutes. Though with the shutdown, you will need to check if your local airport is still offering this service. (edited)

A TSA agent, Uniformed Advisor TeaNeisha Barker revealed the three things travelers can do make life easier when getting around the airport.

Speaking to Travel and Leisure, she said: "The top three things that travelers can do to assist with a seamless screening experience are to be prepared, be attentive, and follow the direction of the officer providing assistance."

One of the most common issue holding up queues in airports in passengers lack of preparation ahead of their flight.

Good packing habits can speed up the process tenfold, the agent claimed, adding that travelers often end up delaying themselves by making common mistakes such as packing illegal items or bringing too much luggage.

For example, it's prohibited on flights to bring any kind of weapon, so even a pocket knife is considered a no go.

She also suggested placing jewlery in a transparent bag since it's often too small to be picked up by scanners so having it all in one place makes it easier for agents to identify it.

Hand wrapped gifts are also not the best idea since agents can't see through the wrapping paper and might have to rip open a beautifully wrapped gift if they don't know what's inside.

"If you plan on traveling with a gift, I highly recommend wrapping it once you get to your destination," she said.

Running through the airport at the very last hour is never the way anyone wants to start the holidays. If you usually leave a couple of hours, try to aim for at least another one or two, just to be on the safe side. Even if it means twiddling your thumbs for a few extra hours, it's better than anxiously stressing before you've even got through security.