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5 tips for getting through airport security quickly

Between queuing, preparing the plastic bin for your belongings, liquids to take out and computer to present... airport security checks can quickly eat into your margin. The good news is that, with a few simple tips and some intelligent preparation, you'll get through the screening process more smoothly, reduce the risk of hand searches and get to the boarding gate quickly.
Published on September 29, 2025

1. Anticipate booking : documents and registration

The less friction you cause before arriving at the airport, the smoother the check-in process will be. In practice, check in online (when available) and keep your boarding pass on your mobile and in a backup PDF version (useful if the connection weakens).

On the Chalair network, online check-in is available on several departures (Paris Orly, Aurillac, Castres, Brive, Limoges, Lyon, Brest), from 48 h to 2 h before the flight: a real time-saver at the terminal.

Tip: check your terminal and the checkpoint closest to your door in advance.

2. Pack your cabin bag like a pro and avoid being searched

A rapid inspection is first and foremost a well-prepared tank.

The essential rules to know in France :

  • Liquids, gels and aerosols: 100 ml containers max., packed in a 1-liter transparent resealable bag (one bag per passenger). Present this bag outside your baggage at check-in. Exceptions for babies, medicines and special diets.
  • Prohibited objects: blades > 6 cm, tools, flammable substances...

As far as airlines are concerned, remember to respect the dimensions and weights indicated. With Chalair, one piece of cabin baggage (55 × 35 × 25 cm, max. 10 kg) + one accessory (30 × 40 × 15 cm, max. 2 kg) are included.

🎯 Minute routine before the check:

  • Take out your bag of liquids and your computer and/or tablet.
  • Empty your pockets (keys, coins, phone), remove your belt and metal objects.
  • Place your jacket and large accessories in the bin.
  • Lay the computer flat, hood up, without cover, to speed up reading.

3. Choose the right lane and keep the pace

Airports often offer dedicated lanes (families, priority, reduced mobility...): look out for the signs and follow staff instructions. In Paris airports, the PARAFE (e-gates) system can speed up border control for holders of biometric passports.

It's simple, but vital: move forward continuously, bins ready, handles facing forward, electronics grouped together. The aim of the inspection is to clearly read the contents. Any unprepared item (bottle >100 ml, computer at the bottom of a cluttered bag) leads to a manual search, and you immediately lose precious minutes.

4. Adjust your timing (neither too early nor too late)

For domestic flights, allow 1 to 2 h in advance, depending on the season and traffic. For long-haul flights: up to 3 h.

Arriving early doesn't mean waiting in the wrong place: locate the right counter/terminal, check in if necessary, then go straight to check-in.

5. Adopt smart gestures that make a difference

  • Hydration: take an empty water bottle and fill it up after the checkpoint (without wasting time at the search for a bottle >100 ml). Practical and eco-responsible(remember: buy your drinks after the checkpoint if you don't have a bottle).
  • Scan-friendly outfit: shoes easy to remove if required, little metal, belt fitted at the last moment.
  • Computer and tablet accessible at the touch of a button.
  • Zero surprises: reread the official list of prohibited items (tools, blades >6 cm, flammable materials), and the battery regime.

Going fast means preparing early, lightening the load at the bins and keeping pace with the control station. Keep a reasonable margin, anticipate the 100 ml rule, and capitalize on online registration.


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