(Quick note: If you are reading this and you don’t have children yet, you still might see something helpful. But mostly, I want you to think about this next time you’re going through airport security and realize how easy you have it. Because I know I had NO idea.)

My son and I are usually by ourselves when we fly, so I have to be incredibly organized about getting through security with all our stuff. Because of that, I’ve developed a little system to get us through security faster than most people without kids. I have, in fact, cut in front of such people who were taking too long untying their shoes and putting all their stuff in the bins.

On our recent trip to Orlando, my “little” brother (who happens to be 6′ 7″) joined us for the flight home. I did my usual thing when going through security and he commented on how amazed he was, so I thought, what the heck, I should share the method to my madness with you all. Maybe you will glean a tip or two you hadn’t thought of before.

I try to keep Jack in the stroller while in line, using whatever means necessary: snacks, toys, etc. It’s just too much to manage a stroller, luggage AND a toddler who wants to run around instead of standing in line. When the line stops and Jack is occupied, I get out my boarding pass and I.D. so I’m ready when I get to the checkpoint.

When it’s time to get through the x-ray machine, I usually use the Family/Medical Liquids Lane (you can read more about that here). I leave Jack in the stroller while I get everything ready to go through. This part is a little like a juggling act. There are a lot of steps involved, but I can do it super fast. I HAVE to do it super fast because at this point, Jack wants out of the stroller BAD.

I grab three bins and put them on the counter, along with my carry-on suitcase. Then I get my laptop and ziplock bag of liquids out of the suitcase and put them in separate bins, using the third for my diaper bag. Then I throw my slip-on shoes and Jack’s shoes in with the ziplock bag. This process goes much faster since I plan for it when I pack, so you also might want to check out my packing tips.

At this point, I get Jack out of the stroller and have him hold on to the table leg (so he doesn’t run off) while I fold up his stroller and put it up on the table. Then I pick him up and have him put anything he’s holding into a bin, whether it’s a toy, his lovies or a snack. The TSA agents will not let him through with anything besides his clothes. If I ask him to drop it in, he thinks it’s fun. If I just take it away, not so much. Then I push everything through the x-ray machine and we walk through the metal detector.

Now I have a loose baby and all this stuff to gather up, so I get his stroller down first and put him in it. Then I can get the laptop and ziplock bag back in the suitcase, grab the diaper bag and slip my shoes back on. I usually wait until later to put Jack’s shoes back on so that we can just get moving out of the area and onto one of Jack’s favorite parts – the TRAIN!

Of course, you might have additional luggage or children or a helper, but I guess the main thing is to have a plan ahead of time, even while you’re packing. Getting through security can be quick and painless, even with kids, as long as you think ahead. You will be much more relaxed and probably less likely to forget about the metal on your baby’s pacifier clip, get pulled aside for screening and then, in a panicked state, imagine the TSA took your baby away, as one mom recently did.

I have actually found TSA agents to be very family-friendly, often doing little things like getting my stroller down for me or giving Jack a sticker. Of course, I’m sure other families have had bad experiences, but being organized and knowing the rules ahead of time helps make it easier for everyone.