20 Ways to Speed Through Airport Security

Once upon a time, passing through an airport security checkpoint was a speedy and almost pleasant formality. Anyone who has traveled by air over the past seven years knows that that is no longer the case. These days, security procedures seem to change daily. You stand there removing shoes, belts, iPods, hair clips, and eyeglasses, but it's still not enough. A nail clipper or an economy size tube of toothpaste in your carry-on will expose you everything security measure short of a strip search.

There is no way to beat the system. If you are wearing shoes, you'll have to remove them; and your laptop will always be a bit of a hindrance. The days of breezing through security are past.

But, with a little planning (and perhaps a bit of luck), savvy travelers can move through security without having to slow down too much.

Here's how:

1. Keep necessary documentation handy. Nothing slows you down more than digging through your bag for your boarding pass and driver's license or passport. Keep them in hand, in your pocket, or in a readily accessible compartment of your bag. Nothing slows down a line, or draws angry glances from fellow travelers like someone who has to dig through a bag or purse in search of their boarding pass.

2. Everyone knows not to bring box cutters, fireworks, or pocketknives through a checkpoint. But what about cigarette lighters, nail clippers, or scissors (over 4 inches)? These items might be commonly used, but could very well be confiscated. The unfortunate traveler will be subject to a thorough search as their favorite Zippo heads off to an unpleasant fate. If in doubt, always check your baggage.

3. Wear shoes that are easy to get out of. Some people opt for sandals, but any type f footwear that can be easily slipped off easily works. The key is to avoid having to undo more than one knot per foot or having to do any prying to get your shoes off.

4. Don't load your pockets. Even a stray Wrigley's wrapper could set off the metal detector. At the very least, this would necessitate an extra pass under the machine. If your pockets are bulging, simply stuff it all in a hip-pack or some other bag. It can then take a ride through the x-ray machine while you cruise through the metal detector without hearing a beep.

5. Ask yourself if you really need your laptop. If the answer is yes, then take it out of the bag before you send it through x-ray. This is probably one of the commonest mistakes that people make. Many people know the ropes but they often forget this rule.

6. Check the liquids and gels. You are sitting in the taxi on the way to the airport wondering if the tube of toothpaste in your carry-on is going to get you in trouble. If you are checking a bag, put any shaving cream, toothpaste, deodorant or perfume inside. If not, consider buying these things when you get to your destination. Under no circumstances should you take your shaving cream out of its original container and put it into something else. This is much, much worse than having it confiscated because it will lead to a further search of your bags.

7. Head left. Faced with a choice between a right and left line, most people choose right, even if it appears to be a little bit longer. This is one of the quirks of the human mind. One you can exploit by simply ignoring your impulses and heading to the shorter line on the left.

8. I feel sorry for people who have metal screws or other surgical implants that always set of metal detectors. There is a trick, though. If you have screws or plates implanted, your physician can provide a credit card sized, official document that includes your photo and the place where the implant is located. There will still be delays as the security figure out what to do and look over your documentation, but it will speed things up most of the time.

9. Take out your piercings or leave them at home. You can always put your multiple earrings or navel piercing back in after you pass through security. It's preferable to taking them out under the gaze of a hundred angry travelers whose trip you are holding up.

10. If a hip pack or purse doesn't suit you, simply bring a jacket with pockets that seal with a zipper or Velcro. Stuff everything you are carrying into the pockets, zip them up, and throw the jacket onto the x-ray conveyor belt. You can even do this with your watch and belt, provided that they jacket is big enough.

11. For $125 per year, you can buy a membership with a company called Clear. This will allow access to a special security line at participating airports. When customers sign up, they go through a background check and have their fingerprints taken. When they get to security at the airport, Clear-users have to swipe their membership card and have their thumbprint scanned. It's almost insanely easy. The problem is that Clear is not widely available. However, air hubs like JFK, La Guardia, SFO, and Regan participate in the program.

12. Some airports have been experimenting with a three-lane system: one for families, one for casual travelers, and one for experienced travelers. This has sped up the process in general, but only works if everyone chooses the right lane. The default lane should always be the "casual traveler" one. Then, at least you won't be the causing any high power, frequent travelers high-blood pressure.

13. Err on the side of caution when it comes to belts, watches, jewelry, and even zippers and buttons. Wear clothing that doesn't have any of these frequent metal detector offenders or stow your cowboy belt and Rolex in your carry-on bag until you get past security.

14. If possible, time your flight for a high traffic time. Yes, this means more people, but it also means more TSA personnel will be on duty and more checkpoints open. The worst time: holidays. The security detail will be understaffed while the amount of inexperienced travelers will quadruple.

15. Check the TSA web site for the latest updates on prohibited items. You might find something useful like the fact that gel inserts for shoes will be confiscated along with any and all snow globes.

16. Look through your bags for banned items…then look again. Through no fault of their own, travelers, especially casual ones, sometimes miss the obvious. The "no liquids over three ounces" rule includes the $100 bottle of cognac you were planning to give to Uncle Harry. The same goes for items that are seem harmless enough: your nunchakus, Swiss Army knife, realistic looking toy pistol, or screw driver set. When in doubt, check it or leave it at home.

17. Medication and baby formula over three ounces are acceptable. It wouldn't hurt to have a copy of the prescription or a note from the doctor to flash if need be. You should always declare these at the checkpoint in order to avoid any confusion and unnecessary delays.

18. Prep your kids. Easily slipped off shoes, nothing in pockets, a backpack for each one to carry-on. They can head through security faster than most people if they are prepared correctly.

19. Arrive early. Taking the time to scope out the situation and find the best checkpoint. Don't be afraid to chat up TSA personnel. You might get the lowdown on a newly opened checkpoint or hear which one is the quickest.

20. Be patient. Security checkpoints are a part of travel in the modern world. They are occasionally frustrating, but you aren't the only one who has to go through them. Everyone else is as frustrated or in a hurry as you are.

Flights

Hotels

Cars

From (City/Airport)

To (City/Airport)

Departure Date

Return Date

Number of Tickets