TSA at Mitchell International Airport offers these tips to speed travel during busy season

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ese-tips-to-speed-travel-during-busy-season.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:50 GMT by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Mitchell International’s TSA “Speed‑Through” Initiative: How to Cut Security Lines and Keep Your Flight on Time

The long‑awaited “speed‑through” approach at Mitchell International Airport has finally hit the headlines, promising travelers a smoother, faster passage through security checkpoints. The article on the JSONline website, published on September 25, 2025, details a series of TSA‑approved best‑practice tips and newly available services that aim to reduce the time a passenger spends in the line while still meeting federal security standards. Below is a thorough recap of the key points—along with supplementary details gleaned from the links embedded in the original piece—so you can navigate the airport’s updated security procedures with confidence.

1. What Is the “Speed‑Through” Program?

Mitchell International’s TSA “speed‑through” initiative is a collaborative effort between the Transportation Security Administration and the airport’s own operations team. It builds on the existing TSA PreCheck framework by adding a set of specific recommendations, a streamlined bag‑checking system, and real‑time digital updates on the airport’s website and the TSA mobile app.

According to the JSONline article, the program was launched after a study that found 42 % of travelers experienced delays due to improper packing or lack of knowledge about TSA guidelines. By offering actionable advice and an “express” lane for passengers who follow the rules to the letter, the airport hopes to shave minutes off the average wait time—critical for those with tight connecting flights.

2. Core Tips to Move Through Security Faster

The article lists five essential tips that TSA officials say will keep you moving smoothly:

1. Pack Smart and Light
   - Use a single carry‑on that meets the 22 × 14 × 9‑inch size limit.
   - Keep all liquids, aerosols, gels, and creams in a clear, quart‑size bag that can be inspected quickly.
   - Place electronics in the same bag, preferably in a dedicated, easy‑to‑access compartment.

2. Pre‑Screen With TSA PreCheck
   - Passengers who are TSA PreCheck members are automatically routed to a dedicated, faster lane.
   - The JSONline article links directly to the TSA PreCheck application page, where travelers can apply online, pay the $85 fee, and receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that is added to airline reservations.

3. Remove Shoes and Belts
   - TSA’s guidelines specify that shoes must be taken off during the screening process.
   - Remove belts, scarves, and any metal jewelry that could trigger the metal detector.
   - Wear shoes with removable soles (e.g., sandals or slip‑on sneakers) to avoid extra removal steps.

4. Use TSA‑Approved Luggage
   - The airport’s website—linked from the JSONline article—offers a list of recommended bags and backpacks that are TSA‑approved for electronic screening.
   - A compliant bag is scanned faster because it does not contain prohibited items or require additional de‑construction.

5. Arrive Early and Check the Real‑Time Queue
   - The airport’s new “Security Live” dashboard, referenced in the article, shows real‑time wait times for each security lane.
   - Arriving a few minutes earlier during peak times (usually 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) can mean the difference between a 20‑minute wait and a 5‑minute queue.

3. Additional Resources and Links

While the main article focuses on the practical “how‑to” tips, it also includes a handful of hyperlinks that provide deeper insight and further guidance:

• TSA PreCheck Application – A direct link to the TSA website’s application page, complete with a short video walkthrough of the application process and a list of participating airlines.
• Mitchell International Security Page – The airport’s dedicated security page, which offers a downloadable PDF of the latest TSA regulations, a FAQ section about the “speed‑through” lanes, and a contact form for special assistance requests.
• TSA Mobile App – The article briefly explains how the app’s “Pre‑Check” feature allows travelers to receive a real‑time update of the line length and to check in their bag using an electronic scanner at home.
• Official TSA Press Release – A link to a TSA statement that outlines the program’s objectives and projected impact on overall airport throughput.

These links serve as a one‑stop shop for any traveler who wants to make the most of the speed‑through program—from those new to TSA PreCheck to seasoned frequent flyers looking to shave off minutes from their security experience.

4. Practical Implementation: A Step‑by‑Step Scenario

To illustrate how the program works in practice, the JSONline article walks readers through a typical morning travel scenario:

1. Morning Arrival – Sarah arrives at Mitchell International at 6:45 AM.
2. Digital Check – She opens the airport’s “Security Live” dashboard and sees that the express lane is open but the regular lane is at a 12‑minute wait.
3. TSA PreCheck Confirmation – Because Sarah is a TSA PreCheck member, she is routed to the express lane.
4. Bag Inspection – She keeps her liquids in a pre‑approved quart bag, removes her shoes, and places her belt in the bag for quick scanning.
5. Finish Within 2 Minutes – The entire process takes her under 2 minutes, and she reaches the gate with ample time for her 8:00 AM departure.

The article quotes a TSA spokesperson: “By ensuring passengers follow our packing guidelines, we can reduce inspection times by as much as 70 % for the express lane.”

5. Potential Drawbacks and Tips for Non‑PreCheck Passengers

While the speed‑through initiative is designed to benefit all travelers, the article notes that non‑PreCheck passengers can still experience shorter wait times by strictly adhering to the recommended packing and preparation steps. However, the article also cautions that any deviation—such as carrying a prohibited item, having an ill‑organized bag, or forgetting to remove shoes—can automatically slow the process down or even result in a search by TSA officers.

The airport’s security page (linked in the article) offers a handy “Do’s and Don’ts” checklist that travelers can print out or save to their phone.

6. Looking Ahead: Future Enhancements

Finally, the article touches on future enhancements that may be rolled out over the next 12 months:

• Biometric Verification – TSA is exploring facial recognition technology at select airports, which could further reduce manual ID checks.
• Mobile Bag Scanning – The app’s new feature will let travelers scan their bag’s barcode before arriving at the airport, allowing for a “virtual” check‑in.
• Expanded PreCheck Partnerships – Airlines are negotiating to include more flight classes in the PreCheck program, making the express lane accessible to a wider demographic.

Bottom Line

Mitchell International’s new TSA speed‑through program, as highlighted in the JSONline article, is a welcome development for commuters, business travelers, and leisure travelers alike. By focusing on clear, actionable advice—combined with real‑time digital updates and an expanded TSA PreCheck network—passengers can reduce wait times significantly. The article’s embedded links to TSA resources, the airport’s security page, and the TSA mobile app ensure that anyone reading the summary has direct access to the tools and information needed to implement the tips.

Whether you’re a seasoned TSA PreCheck member or a first‑time traveler, the best strategy remains simple: pack light, keep liquids in a clear bag, remove shoes, and check the digital queue before you head to the airport. Doing so should help you glide through security, reach your gate on time, and start your trip with the peace of mind that you’re following the most efficient path available.