If you have traveled lately, you likely had the opportunity to hear people complain about how air travel is not what it used to be. It seems like people increasingly complain about how the airport is full of hassles and how air travel is an inconvenience. Some of this is accurate, but some of it is exaggeration.

It\’s true that there is more security. You will spend more time in checkpoint lines. Also, loved ones cannot meet you at your arrival gate nor see you off at departure. But that\’s about the sum of the differences. There is not that much that is new, and flight delays are certainly not a recent phenomenon.

There are things you can do also to get through lines and security more efficiently. Following the tips below will help you in your efforts to streamline air travel.

Pack light: Years ago, we congratulated ourselves for smart packing, by fitting in a large volume of items in the space of a suitcase and a carryon. Today, smart packing means skipping the suitcase entirely.

Instead, keep all of your clothes and necessities in your carryon. You\’ll have to prune your list of what to bring, but the timesaving benefits are worth the inconvenience of possibly rewearing clothing or having to be creative in stretching your wardrobe.

This is an easy and effective technique. You\’ll avoid the hassle of having to check the bag, and the wait to pick it up again from baggage claim. Not having a checked bag may also let you check in online and avoid lines for checkin as well.

Pack safe: You should not bring anything that could conceivably be seen as a threat by airport security. Err on the side of caution. If you have to ask yourself whether something would be ok, it is probably best to leave it behind.

Your bag should not contain metal items, matches, sharp items (scissors, knives, etc.). All toiletries should be travel-sized and should be stored in a clear ziplock bag.

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