Still,if you plan ahead, the whole thing will be marginally less painful.
Many major airlines like Southwest, American, Delta, and United offerTSA Pre-Checkto qualified customers.
Remove all your jewelry and metal accessories before you go to the airport.
Even if your bracelet usually gets through without tripping the detector, theres no reason to take that risk.
Wear shoes without laces, so you’re able to slip them off quickly.
If thats not possible, unlace your shoes before getting in line.
Never wear gladiator sandals or anything that needs a shoehorn to put on.
Dont wear pants that require a belt.
Its one more thing to take off.
Dont wear see-through leggings without underwear.
This wont set off security alarms but you will make everyone around you deeply uncomfortable.
Take all change out of your pockets.
Yes, even in summer.
It gets cold on airplanes year-round, so youll be happy you did.
Double-check your bags for liquids and other prohibited items, and keep an extra Ziploc in your carry-on.
Even if you dont need it, you could make someones day by having one on hand.
Read the TSA rules before you go.
Dont be Russell Croweyelling on Twitterabout the injustice of airport hoverboard bans.
You should know whats prohibited.
Try not to emulate Russell Crowe in any way, really.
Take care of yourtravel documents!
The last thing you should do before you leave: Slip a smile on your face, baby.
Heres how to avoid contributing to the bad times:
Arrive early.
Its a great way to tell the world I think my time is more valuable than yours.
If youre backpacking, take the backpack off and hold it in front of you.
Its easy to misjudge how far away someone is from you and nail them with your carabiners.
Keep your ID easily accessible, and take it out before you approach the ID check.
Dont talk on your phone.
In fact, put your phone in your bag.
Dont stall everyone by pausing to see which line is moving faster.
Just pick a line immediately.
Youll get where you oughta go.
Dont engage in conversation unless someone else speaks first.
Airport meet-cutes are a dangerous myth.
Just throw it away.
Which you probably dont.
This is why wearing socks is extra-crucial.
Its an understandable impulse, but it only contributes to the already-crappy atmosphere.
Image byRobert Adrian Hillman,NextMars,Bloomua(Shutterstock).
