Flying Right

There's nothing more tedious for travelers these days than getting through the airport, especially airport security. There's no way to get around it, and we all have to succumb to it at some point. You can't let the problems of airport security as well as the check-in counter stop an enjoyable time -- right before it even gets off of the ground.

The Transportation Security Administration as well as fellow travelers have provided some tips to make getting through the airport before and after departure as well as through security a quick, simple experience.

Veteran of travel, Jeff Rodrequez, said that one way to cheat the system -- as well as save a few dollars -- in traveling is to not check any bags.

"I never purposefully check luggage," Rodrequez said.

Instead, Rodrequez packs his carry-on bag with everything that he might need and skips checking bags.

"I hate waiting for luggage. When I get (to my destination), I have what I need, I can go to the car rental counter and get on my way."

Another key tip he points out is that for a city's airport you've never previously visited, it might be a good idea to allow for extra time in arriving there. "Different airports have different time requirements," he said.

He said it's good to arrive early, so that travelers have enough time to check in, check baggage -- if need be -- as well as get through security lines.

There's no way around them -- and we all dread going through them -- but security lines are something that we all face and endure. We can definitely make it easier on ourselves by following some of the recommendations outlined by the Transportation Security Administration, tsa.gov.

There's really no perfect way to dress when going through the security lines, but there are certain things that you can put some deep consideration into putting on before you even step foot in the airport. For example, the TSA lists different objects that could contain metal that would set off the metal detectors such as

Jewelry (not limited to but including, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, or body piercings)

Clothes with metal buttons, snaps or studs

Metal hair barrettes

Belt buckles

Under-wire bras

In addition, make sure that if you're carrying a winter coat or a jacket for those sometimes cold plane rides, that you pack it in your carry-on or checked luggage. If you don't, they -- including blazers, suit jackets, trench coats, sport coats and heavy winter coats -- have to be put into a bin and sent it through the X-ray machine like everything else.

Things such as a gel-filled bra will obviously not set off a metal detector or be required to be removed for security purposes, but a body piercing can. Actually, according to TSA's website, body piercings can result in additional pat-down screening.

Let's not forget to take off your shoes when you're in line, either. No matter if you're wearing flip-flops, sneakers, high heels or clowns shoes, everyone is required to take off their shoes and place them on the conveyor belt when going through security. TSA said on its website that, "Screening shoes by X-ray is an effective method of identifying any type of anomalies, including explosives. Screening shoes increases security at the checkpoint."

Therefore, if you don't want to be the one that gets pulled out of line to be fully inspected, think about what you're wearing before heading into the airport.

It's also important to note, though, that you want to make sure that you're thinking about what you're putting in your pockets as well.

Items such as loose change, cell phones and pagers cause metal detectors to go off as easy as wearing a huge belt buckle. TSA recommends that you place these in your carry-on or in a plastic bag, so that you keep the moving line ... moving.

The final tip that TSA offers is to make sure to "de-clutter" your carry-on before arriving at the airport. This will allow for them to have a clear view of your bag during the X-ray and not have to pull it out of line for further inspection.

All in all, make sure that you're thinking ahead for choosing clothes, accessories and packing your carry-on bag. Most importantly, have a nice flight.