• SOLUTION: If your airline permits it -- and many now do -- print out your boarding pass at home up to 24 hours before your flight and go right to your gate. Or check in at an automated kiosk using a credit card or frequent-flier card. If you're checking luggage, use curbside check-in rather than at the counter.
• SNAG: You keep setting off the metal detector and everyone in line hates you.
• SOLUTION: Dress for success at security checkpoints. Remove all outerwear before screening. Wear slip-on shoes, because you'll probably be taking them off too (you might be safe with sneakers, but don't count on it). Metal barrettes, jewelry, belt buckles and even underwire bras can set off metal detectors. And lose the belly-button ring.
• SNAG: Your luggage has been selected for a hand search.
• SOLUTION: Know which items are prohibited (check the TSA Web site, www.tsa.gov) and pack accordingly. Place personal items and toiletries in see-through plastic bags so security agents can see what's inside without pawing through them. If you're traveling with gifts, don't wrap them -- they'll just be unwrapped by screeners. Don't pile books on top of one another -- spread them out. Chocolate, fruitcakes and peanut butter also look suspicious on an X-ray.
And remember the potential embarrassment factor when you pack your carry-on: Do you really want the agent to hold up that [fill in the blank] for all to see?
• SNAG: You're afraid that your exposed film will be ruined by the security equipment.
• SOLUTION: Your film will probably be okay going through the X-ray machine in your carry-on bag, but don't pack it in your checked baggage -- the more powerful X-ray machines will damage it. But if your carry-on will pass through the X-ray more than five times, ask to have the film hand-checked.
In the Air
• SNAG: You're stuck in the dreaded middle seat with no leg room.
• SOLUTION: Check out airline seating charts at www.seatguru.com. Everything you ever wanted to know about airline seating -- including leg room, seat width, pitch and proximity to the bathrooms -- for 21 airlines is there. Armed with this info, ask for a change of seats once you get to the gate. Remember that bulkhead seats give you more space, but you may be sitting in front of the restroom. You can also ask for roomier emergency exit seats if they're available and you're willing to assist in a potential evacuation.
• SNAG: You get on your flight, you're starving, and dinner is . . . pretzel mix. If you're lucky.
