Air Traveler - Getting Through Security - Quick No Hassle

Security procedures change frequently based on threat assessment.  There are things you can do as a traveler to get through the security check point faster and to your gate.

Transportation Security Administration, the TSA,  has some tips to make the trip as painless as possible.

Be ready to be screened. 

DO:

1. Have your ID ready.
2. Get a screening friendly notebook / netbook computer bag or be ready to pull yours out.
3. Have your liquids stored properly or check them.
4. Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
5. Wear slip-on shoes. This will allow you to take them off and put them back on quickly, without having to sit down.
6. Pets. Please remove all animals from their carrying cases and send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
7. Children. Please take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector. For more information traveling with children, click here. 
8. Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing your flight. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.

DON'T

Complain at Security Checkpoint: Everyone knows that passing through a security checkpoint takes a long time and pat-downs and bag-searches are uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. However, loudly complaining about process is completely unnecessary. The other people in line don’t want to hear someone whining about it. Berating the TSA wage slaves who are trying to get people through the checkpoint as fast as possible probably actually slows the process down further.

Unprepared:  Is it really a surprise that your cellphone will set off the metal detector? Help speed things up by placing all your metal and electronic doodads in a coat pocket or carry-on pouch, remove your laptop from its case, have liquids/gels/toiletries in the TSA-approved quart-sized bag, and have those shoes ready to toss in the tray. And yes, that nonfat macchiato you just bought does in fact count as a liquid. As does that 6 gallon vat of Gold Bond Medicated Cream you forgot to put in your checked baggage. Don't argue with the nice agent. Keep it moving.