One TSA guideline that is far more specific relates to liquids, including toiletries — and here an entirely new niche market has sprung up, with numerous online retailers offing TSA-mandated sizes of 3 ounces or less, but with notably inflated prices.

“These products do cost more, but if you need it, what choice do you have?” asks Ken Walker, business travel columnist for AllBusiness. He says many employers are taking another approach to ease the wait. “Some companies will reimburse you for shampoo or contact lens solution, so instead of even bringing it, you just buy it when you get to your destination.”

Then why would anyone pay more if they can just pick it up once they reach their hotel?

Fear and convenience, says Pidgeon. “While many don’t want the wrath of TSA at the screener for having too many liquids, for others it is about getting through the line at the airport without hassle, and not having to run to the drug store, or worrying about whether the size sold in the hotel lobby is one ounce too big.”

There are other ways to get to the scanners faster. The most obvious is to earn a higher frequent-flier status on a particular airline, which offers you a shorter wait to the scanners.

Other programs have been introduced to allow for pre-approved passengers, who must go through increased background checks prior to travel, to undergo expedited screening.

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