The quicker you can go through security, the less stressed you will be.

12. Prepare for going through airport security before you leave

There’s always that one annoying passenger who holds the line up because they have to take off their bulky boots, unclasp their accessories, and undo their money pouches and belts. Avoid this by simply understanding the rules. For security, we all have to remove our laptop or tablet, 3-1-1 liquid bag, jacket, shoes, belt, and metal jewelry before going through security.

As you prepare yourself that day, dress appropriately so that you can get in and out of the line quickly. Here are a few simple tips to follow:

• Wear socks and slip-on shoes;
• Avoid shoelaces, buckles, or complicated straps;>
• If you can avoid wearing a belt, do so, or keep your belt in your carry-on until after the security check.

13. Opt for lines on the left

Since most people are right-handed, we tend to pick the line on their right to stand in line. By choosing one of the rows on the far left, you are increasing your chances of making it through the line swiftly.

14. Scan the lines before you pick one

Before you select a line, look who is in the line first. Sometimes, the shortest line takes as long as a longer one. Consider that movement through security is significantly faster for a dozen business people than for a family with young children or a tour group of senior individuals.

15. Have your paperwork ready

Have your boarding pass and ID ready when you enter the security line.

16. Empty your pockets while you’re in line

The line at airport security is usually long because people need to empty their pockets, remove shoes, etc. You can speed up the process by emptying your pockets before you reach the front of the line.

17. Pack electronic devices and liquids at the top of your carry-on

When you are going through airport security, you are going to be asked to remove liquids and electronic devices. To ease the process, be sure to pack those items in the top section of your carry-on or backpack so that you have quick and easy access to them.

18. Remember TSA rules

• Unless you’re in a PreCheck lane, you must remove your laptop from its case and place it in its own container.
• For the TSA’s 3-1-1 protocol, ensure that any liquids are kept in a transparent plastic bag.
• Throw away any plastic bottles with liquid in them;
• Before you enter the security line, make sure that your reusable bottle is empty. (If you have a bottle with liquid in it, it will have to be thrown out or emptied. If you empty it, it will have to be re-screened, which causes delays in the line.)

To go through the airport security line as quickly as possible, remove all your belongings from the belt as quickly as possible.