The face of security checks at airports has changed drastically, owing to the fact that lax security checks at airports across the globe have had disastrous consequences. Unknowingly and unwillingly the airport security authorities have made these transit centers the stepping-stone for numerous acts of terror. The prime example of this rapidly spreading phenomenon was the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in the United States by the Al Qaeeda militant forces. The reverberations of this heinous act of terrorism were soon felt in distant parts of the world. As a result, airport authorities in every country have stepped up the security procedures in their airports. This increased stress on security has definitely made flying tedious for the world safer, but has also brought along with it longer lines at the ticket counter, the gate screening area and at the gate and has resulted in longer waits for the passengers. By abiding by a few guidelines and by amply practicing the virtue called patience, airport security screenings can prove to be much less of a burden from now on.

• One of the stipulated procedures to follow while traveling by air is to arrive at least 2 hrs earlier than the time of your flight's departure. You should ideally stretch this time to 3 hrs if you are to board an international flight. Arriving early will not only save you the panic of missing your flight, but you can also be way ahead of others in that dreaded waiting line.
  
• Carrying an authentic photo identification proof always proves to be an asset in facilitating your security check procedure. Driver's licenses, state ID cards, military ID cards and passports are all legitimate and acceptable forms of getting yourself identified. Make sure these identification proofs are furnished with a recent photograph of yours so that it eases the burden on the security officials. The best way to ensure the identification procedure would be to check with your airline.
  
• With Information Technology at it's best and with the power of the Internet at our fingertips, you can receive the checking in and boarding pass facilities through the Internet. This way you can avoid the lines at the ticket counters and go straight to the gate areas. However, ensure that your airline permits you to get a boarding pass or to exchange your current boarding pass at the gate or at a passenger service area within the airport.
  
• Articles that are sharp and that might cause combustion, like, pocketknives, nail cutters; cigarette lighters and the likes must not be carried with the luggage. To ensure that you don't accidentally carry these controversial articles to the airport and be subject to unnecessary suspicion and humiliation, please take some time off to carefully scrutinize all your bags that you would carry and clear them off such articles.
  
• To quicken the security screening process, keep in mind things, like not packing your bags too tightly as doing so will make it difficult for the airport personnel to scan the same, keeping your ticket, boarding pass and identification proof close to you, wearing the most comfortable clothes and shoes for the journey and fully knowing your airline's policies.
  
• The best way to get through an airport security check without testing your patience is by following the above-mentioned guidelines and most importantly, by keeping a straight head and a positive attitude.