Breeze through airport security checkpoints

At least a day before traveling, review the airport's layout by visiting its website. Some airports offer quick curbside check-in (tip required), and some airports have more than one security checkpoint to choose from. Being familiar with the pedestrian traffic pattern will keep you moving and save time.

Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. This is very important, because you can not predict delays of any kind. The last thing you want is to feel rushed.

Pack cosmetics, including liquids and gels, in the baggage that you are checking if you would rather not carry smaller containers on board.

However, if you prefer to have your makeup with you to touch up after a long flight, or if you are concerned about your baggage being lost or delayed and don't want to spend time at your destination trying to replace foundation or mascara, you can bring small portions of those "must-haves" in your carry-on baggage.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule. Those numbers stand for 3 oz. containers, 1 plastic bag and 1 bag per passenger. Transfer your essential cosmetic liquids into 3 oz. bottles. Place all those 3 oz. or smaller bottles into a quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag. The TSA allows one bag per passenger.

Place your plastic bag in the bin to go through security screening. The transparent bag makes it easier for customs inspectors to view the items. Once you pass through screening, you may put the plastic bag back into your carry-on baggage.

Buy liquid or gel cosmetics products of any size inside the terminal, once you have passed through the security checkpoint. You can take cosmetics and other items you buy within the secure area of the airline terminal on board the plane without further screening.

You'll have to remove your shoes to go through security, so be sure to wear clean socks and shoes that you can slip on and off quickly and easily.

If you have a lock on your bag, take it off. A lock will only create suspicion and slow you down when you have to fiddle with it to open your bag for the security agents.

Take your laptop computer out of its case because all computers are screened separately. Place your laptop by itself in a plastic bin supplied at the checkpoint.
Remove jacket and any metal on your person. These items go with cell phones, keys and bulky jewelry into another plastic tub. If your belt has a large buckle, remove it to spare yourself a secondary screening.

Place all your bags and bins on the conveyor belt of the baggage scanner. No bags belong in a bin because they go directly on the belt. Be sure all your items move along the belt before you enter the walk-through scanner. Keep your arms down and avoid touching the sides on your way through.

After sliding your trays through the screener, it is time to walk through the metal detector. Hopefully, the alarm won't sound! Again, the metal detector officer will ask to see your ticket and your ID, which should be in your pocket and not in the coat going through the scanner next to you.

Once you pass, grab your stuff, slide your shoes back on and keep walking to your gate. More than likely, you'll have ample time to grab a drink or a quick bite to eat. You wasted no time!

Note:
The only thing that could possibly delay you is if your ticket has been red-flagged. This is random and should cause you no alarm. If your ticket is flagged, security may ask you to stand with your legs spread apart and your arms out so they can "wand" you. They will also open your bags and look at everything. This is procedure. Remember, they are there to protect you and everyone else; just remain calm and be polite.

Read more travel tips...