So you've made it to the airport and found a parking place, only to find yourself staring at a winding security line. There are a few things you can do to help speed your way through the metal detectors. (Sorry, we can't help you with the line.) Consider five simple options:

1. Wear slip-on shoes: It makes the process of removing your footwear — and then re-shodding yourself post security — a breeze. You save a couple of minutes. Multiply that by the thousands of folks in line, and you've got a real time savings and your fellow travelers will appreciate it.

2. Leave the laptop at home: It's a hassle wrestling it out of its case and lobbing it into a separate tub for the ride through the security gizmo. And get real — there's probably Internet and computer access where ever you're going.

3. Empty your pockets before you get to the security check: Put keys, coins, etc., in your carry-on bag. You can retrieve them after you clear security. Remember to keep your ticket and photo ID available for security officers.

4. Don't wrap gifts: This is, as they say, a no-brainer. The security folks might have to check what's inside that carefully wrapped package. Ship wrapped gifts ahead of time or do the wrapping once you arrive at your destination.

5. Lose the belt: Metal belt buckles can set off the metal detectors, and it's easy to forget you're wearing one. Either pack your belt in your carry-on and retrieve it after security, or go beltless.