Vixmom, this is what I do to get through the security line quickly:
* Pack your bag so that everything that must be taken out (laptop, ziplock bags) is in one compartment so you can grab them easily without having to think about where they are. You can move your stuff to different compartments after you go through security.
* When you get to the airport, go into the restroom and remove your belt and empty your pockets. If you end up going through a naked machine everything shows up -- including your driver's license, a tissue, etc. Remove EVERYTHING from your pockets.
* Have your driver's license clipped to your boarding pass.
* While the TSA officer is looking at your license, look over the security lanes and see which ones are using the metal detector and which are using the naked machine. Big airports will probably have both going. Get in the metal detector line.
* Wear slip-on shoes. Much easier to get off and back on again.
* Put your shoes and ziplock bag of travel-size things in one bin.
* Laptops must be removed from the case. The cords don't need to be removed. Put the laptop in its own bin.
* Lay your travel bag on its side on the belt.
I have never flown out of the US, so I don't know what to do about customs.
