As previous posters have said, at the larger airports you should arrive at the ticket counter line no less than 2 hours before departure. That’s assuming a normal (non holiday) day. Granted that you make your way through TSA, check the departure display screens on the way to your gate just in case they change the boarding gate. You don’t want to walk all the way to the end of a terminal just to have to rush back to the train to find another gate.

Make sure that you don’t give TSA any reason to fuss at you. Learn what they want you to do. I used to always put my shoes in a grey tray, but I noticed that they will take my shoes out of the tray before it goes through the machine; now I just set them on the conveyor belt by themselves. No problem.

Also, don’t hide your laptop in a tray under your coat or something else. They don’t like that. Also, if you’re traveling with gift bags (I do this with wine), some airlines (okay, most) will treat that as a second carry-on, so do your very best to consolidate your luggage and check what you can!

BEFORE you leave for the airport:
1. Think about what you’re wearing. Eliminate any large metal objects, that chain that holds your wallet to your belt, the 10lbs of jewelry, the pocketful of change - the goal is to get through security quickly, not be a fashion statement.

2. Contrary to previous statements, I haven’t been through ANY airport recently that didn’t require you to take off your shoes. I hear rumors that they’re going to eliminate that requirement, but until they do, please wear a pair of shoes that slip off and slip on again. Please DON’T wear the lace up combat boots (unless you’re going on, or coming back from, active duty of course).

WHEN you leave for the airport:
1. LEAVE EARLY. Earlier than you think you need to. Then add a half hour to that. It’s a lot nicer, and better for your blood pressure, to have an extra 20 minutes or half an hour to fill at the gate, then to get held up by an unanticipated traffic detour, an extra long line at the counter or the security area.

BEFORE you get in line:
1. Remove all keys, coins, your wristwatch, CELL PHONE, jewelry, even your belt if it has a big metal buckle - basically ANYTHING that might set off the detector, and put it ALL in your bag, tote, or backpack that’s going through the x-ray. Please don’t wait until the last minute to be looking for a little plastic bowl to dump your stuff in….there’s never any there. Please don’t force us all to wait while you backup and take off your belt after you set off the detector the first trip through.

2. Get your laptop out of the bag NOW, and hold it in your hand. If you don’t have a hand free for that, then you’re trying to carry on TOO MUCH stuff.

3. Get your ID out NOW, and hold it with the laptop and your boarding pass. After all, you just had it out to check in, right? Keep it out, don’t put it away.

4. FINISH that phone call NOW. Don’t be trying to get through security, shuffling your stuff, digging for your laptop, while trying to juggle the cell phone between your shoulder and your ear.

WHILE you’re in line waiting for that first ID check:
1. Didn’t wear slip-off shoes? Unlace them now. Don’t worry, we won’t think you look like a slob, we’ll just appreciate it that you’re trying to speed up the process.

AFTER they’ve checked your ID:
1. Put it away. At least put it in your pocket, ok? You won’t need it again, and you might end up leaving it on the table near the x-ray if you don’t.
2. Please DON’T put your boarding pass away. They’re going to want to see it again, at almost EVERY airport. Put it in a pocket if you must, but make sure you get it OUT again before you go through the metal detector.

When you’re at the table near the X-ray machine:
1. Grab TWO plastic tubs. Remember, the laptop has to go in a separate tub by itself. Put the laptop in it, then put the second tub on top of that, nested in it.
2. Put your shoes and your jacket in the second tub. Check your pockets. Miss something metal? Put it in the second tub too.

The point of this is that you can easily push two nested tubs and your bag along the table toward the machine, instead of moving your bag, moving one tub, moving the second tub, moving your bag, moving one tub, etc, etc, etc.

After you’re through the metal detector:
1. As your stuff comes through the x-ray, and as there is space available, PLEASE move everything down to the end of the roller belt, or better still, off to one of the tables near the exit (but NOT the chemical screening tables). Please DON’T stand right at the mouth of the x-ray and start dressing yourself, putting your laptop and ipod away, and so on.
2. Please don’t be reaching over/around/through me or anyone else trying to pickup their stuff…we’re all in just as much hurry as you are, and I’m going to get out of your way as quickly and smoothly as I can.
3. Got pulled for the random search? Sorry about that…but be nice about it. They’re just doing their job. Keep an eye on your stuff, though, while you’re waiting for that “Male Assist” or “Female Assist.”

That’s my routine, and it works.

Now a slight rant on the subject of checking baggage versus carrying on: I ALWAYS check my bag, even if it’s one carry on size. I’d rather not hassle with it on the plane, and I’ve only had my bag lost once or twice in THOUSANDS of flights. They’re really awfully good at getting you and your bag to the same destination, you know?

As for that “wait” for your bag to come out on the luggage carousel - my god, are you in THAT much of a hurry that you can’t wait a few minutes for your bag? Yes, there are a few airports where they seem to take way too long, but most of them are pretty quick. Use the time productively, if you must…make those phone calls, finish your book…or just enjoy stretching your arms and legs after you’ve been crammed into that TINY seat for the flight.

And if you MUST carry on, then please obey the rules. ONE carry on sized bag and your briefcase or bag. A suiter and a roll-aboard and a briefcase is too much. So are three tote bags, or a couple of shopping bags.

Arrange your stuff so you can move quickly and smoothly down the aisle. Don’t carry it all on your shoulders….MY shoulders ache from the number of times I’ve been whacked by careless people toting 3 bags and a coffee and a lunch from MickeyD’s.

PLEASE put your bags in the overhead over YOUR row. Don’t put them in up front (as was mentioned by others). That space is for some else. Please put them in WHEELS OUT in those newer planes that have the wider overheads. Don’t put your jacket up there, and expect it not to get crushed. If you have to put it up there, then wait until everyone in your row has had a chance to put their bags in.

Ok, rant over. Sorry for the long comment, but those of us who fly all the time really have seen it all when it comes to getting through security and carrrying on bags!