How To Avoid Long Lines At Airport Security

Long lines, some as much as a mile, stretched at countless airports over the holiday weekend, but those in the know didn't have to deal with such hassles. INSIDE EDITION has some tips every traveler needs to know.

It was the mother of all airport security lines that stretched for more than a mile long.  The 1.2 mile-long line happened at Chicago’s Midway airport on Sunday.

Frustrated flyers vented. “This place is absolutely insane. Never seen an airport so busy,” said one traveler.

“Worst I’ve ever seen,” wrote another.

Security at airports around the country has been beefed up because of intelligence reports in Europe that ISIS terrorists are planning to blow up to five European passenger jets in a coordinated 9/11 style attack.

Laura Begley-Bloom, Executive Editor of Yahoo! Travel says there are ways to beat long lines.

See How To Beat Long Lines

Use the TSA pre-check system.

She told INSIDE EDITION, "For $85 you get to go through a line that is usually shorter, you don't have to take off your shoes, you don't have to take your laptop out of your bag, you don't have to take your jacket off. So, it saves a lot of time as you are moving through security."

Use curbside check-in.

"I think a lot of people don't think to use it, but those gentlemen are standing right there ready to help you. You just give them a tip and they will load your bags in. Often times there is no line. It will really help speed you through if you are checking bags," said Begley-Bloom. 

If you are about to miss a flight use social media to ask the airline for help.

"If you tweet to the airline that you are stuck in a long line or you are about to miss your flight, often times they are going to come forward and help you out," she said.

And use frequent flyer miles to upgrade for a shorter line.

Begley-Bloom said, "Having elite status often will give you access to shorter priority lines at security."