How to Get Through Airport Security QUICKLY

Getting through airport security can be a hassle, especially if you are not aware of some basic "ground rules" that you need to know to keep things moving. These tips will help you move through the very tedious process of airport security with at least a little bit more efficiency. They can really come in handy if you are running late for your flight.

1. Step 1

   Before you even arrive at the airport, already make sure that you have properly packed all of your bags. Know which one you are going to check (if any), and which one you're going to carry on. Make sure that you have some kind of printed copy of your flight itinerary readily available, either in a compartment in one of your bags that's easy to get to, or folded up in one of your pants pockets.

2. Step 2

   If possible, do early online check-in. This will usually prevent you from having to wait in any long lines at the ticket counter.

3. Step 3

   Also have your driver's license or some form of government-issued photo ID available and easy to get to. I recommend that you mentally "assign" your license to one of your pockets and only keep it in that one pocket while you're moving through airport security. It will be much easier than trying to dig & find it at every point that you'll be asked for it.

4. Step 4

   Keep your boarding pass in the same pocket that your license/ID is in as well. You want easy access to both documents through all of the different checkpoints.

5. Step 5

   When you're standing in line waiting to go through the metal detectors, go ahead and loosen up your shoestrings, because you will have to take them off when you go through the metal detector. If you really want to do it right, wear some kind of slip-on shoes; that will make it very easy to handle. I do NOT recommend going "sockless"; airport floors are notoriously dirty, and it would just be better if you had some socks on...trust me.

6. Step 6

   Try to scope out where the nearest plastic tubs are...you know, the tubs that you have to put your shoes, jackets, metal objects, etc. in when you go through the metal detectors. Grab a couple of them before you even get close to the tables. Estimate about how many you will need based on whether or not you have a laptop, jacket, etc., and keep in mind that you will need one tub just for your shoes.

7. Step 7

   If you're wearing a jacket or coat of any kind, go ahead and take it off and put it in the plastic tub before you even get to the metal detector, because they're going to ask you to take it off anyway. Do the same thing with your shoes, for the same reason.

8. Step 8

   You want to get through the metal detectors with as much ease and as little hassle as possible, so do not wear any earrings, belts with metal buckles, watches, rings, bracelets, or ANYTHING that has the potential to set off the metal detector. Also remember to put your cell phone in your carry-on bag before going through the metal detector...the last thing you want is to have to be scanned with the wand or patted down.

9. Step 9

   If you have a laptop computer, take it out of its carrying case and place it in a separate plastic tub. Do NOT place your carrying case on top of the laptop in the same tub...you will get held up in line for this. Again, I'm speaking from experience.

10. Step 10

    Have your boarding pass in your hand when you pass through the metal detector. You're going to be asked for it, so have it ready.

11. Step 11

    When you pass through the metal detector, don't stand right there on the other side of the X-ray machine and start putting on your shoes, putting your laptop back in its case, etc...you want to keep the line moving and get out of the way as soon as possible. If you don't, you will find that there will be a lot of congestion right there. Grab all of your items and remove them from the plastic tubs, carry them over to some place off to the side (most airports have some tables and chairs set up for you to "regroup" once you pass through security), and then get yourself together.

12. Step 12

    Once this is done, you are home free! If you're running late, though, don't ease up even though you have passed through security with relative ease..."haul butt" as much as possible to make sure that you make it to your terminal/gate on time. Don't take any minute for granted.