Like anything to do with travel, pre-planning decreases the time and stress at the airport. Read further for tips to breezing through airport security.

The Night Before:

Print all your documents needed for your trip. Here's a quick check-list:

• Airline Reservation: flight numbers, departure and arrival, confirmation number and contact number of the airlines. Take this information and Check-in online and print your boarding pass. The process is simple, especially when you have everything in front of you.

• Hotel reservation: full/official name of hotel or resort, address and phone number of hotel.

• Car Rental details including reservation number, Rental Company, where to pick up your car, contract price, etc.

• Travel Agent - If you booked your trip through a travel agent, make sure his/her contact phone number and after-hours phone is readily available.

• Make a quick list of all your important contacts once at your destination. For example, if this trip is for business, get your point person's contact phone and cell number before you leave. If your trip is delayed, or you need assistance at your destination, you'll eliminate your stress if you have a local contact.

Next, chronologically compile the above paperwork, so you can decrease your stress and the need to fumble through paperwork. For example, I listed the airline details first because before you go through security, your first step is to check in with your airline. Keep this paperwork at the top of your carry-on bag or pocket.

Dress the Part

Security doesn't require a certain type of clothing, and it is permissible to wear head coverings and/or religious garments during the screening process. However, if your clothing is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items, you may be directed to additional screening. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal, such as beads sewn onto a blouse or a silver bracelet, as it may set off the metal detector.

Let's consider the items that might slow you down, trigger the metal detector, and/or redirect you to additional screening: heavy jewelry, clothing with metal buttons, snaps, studs or decorative metal; metal hair decorations (barrettes), and belt buckles will all almost assuredly set off the metal detector. While it's perfectly acceptable to wear these items, it would be better to pack them in your check-in. If you feel these items are too valuable, tuck them into the top of your carry-on baggage, and put them on after passing through security.

Everyone must remove their shoes, so to save time, wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Your coats and jackets will also have to be removed to pass through the X-ray machine.

Please note that TSA Security Officers have to identify any metal that is detected at the checkpoint. If you set off the alarm, you will undergo additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection.

"Ziploc" Bags are Your Friend

Most travelers know that all carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in one quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag (three ounces or less), but clear plastic bags of all sizes are a quick way to save time at airport security. If the items must be checked, the TSA agent can simply pick up the Ziploc bag and look inside, rather than riffling through and touching your personal items.

Before entering security, take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pages, and personal data assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets and place them in a large-sized Ziploc and into your carry-on bag. You may also prefer to hold onto the Ziploc and place it in one of the bins.

When you are packing your carry-on items, don't just toss them in randomly. Keep it neat, so when it is viewed on the X-ray machine, the TSA agents will clearly see each item. For instance, wrap cords tightly, and tie them together with a rubber band or Velcro tie. Move any items that might get the TSA's attention to the top of the bag for easy access.

Breezing Through Security

Once you've checked in, keep your gate pass and government-issued ID in your hand or readily available. Once you step into the security line, have your laptop and any other electronic accessories at the top of your carry-on or in your hands. Remove your coat and any items in your pockets, if you haven't already. Move your quart-sized Ziploc bag with liquids. Once you arrive at the security point, instead of fumbling through your bags, you can then easily access, remove and place those items on the conveyor built to be x-rayed.

Now You're Ready

Consider the pre-planning tips above and take the time to ready yourself for airport security BEFORE entering the line. These tips will allow you to breeze through security with minimal delays.