Even the most seasoned travelers hate facing the obstacle course that is today's airport security screening process.  Add in a few toddlers and it becomes downright daunting -- almost enough to make you want to stay home.  Try these tips to speed up -- or at least smooth out -- your next flight.

Practice makes perfect.

Explain the airport security process to your kids and then play airport.  Pretend play the entire process from taking off shoes to putting favorite items through the x-ray machine.  Talk about how to behave in line and the nice TSA employees that will help them through the metal detector.  Most of the time, the TSA employees have stickers waiting, but just in case, have one handy to use as a reward for good behavior.

Pack Smart.

Pack a zip-lock bag with all liquids and triple check your packing to make sure it complies with TSA rules.  Getting stopped for a prohibited item is a sure-fire way to disrupt an otherwise smooth security clearance.  

Hope for the best but plan for the worst.

On busy travel days, security lines can be hours long.  Be ready with easy activities and games.  Stickers, mini activity books, small cars and animals should be packed in a convenient spot and pulled out at the first sign of boredom.  "I Spy" and counting games are also great time fillers.  Be sure to look down because some airports have fun designs on the floor that can be exploited in pattern or counting games.

One person handles the electronics and zip-top bags, the other corrals the kids. 

All computers and zip-top bags should be packed together and given to one person.  It is virtually impossible to repack a briefcase and gather everything together with kids in hand -- so divide the duties.  If only one adult is traveling, keep the laptop in a simple briefcase for easy in and out, and give the oldest child responsibility for the zip-top bag.

Wear easy on/off shoes.

Having to stop and fuss with shoes brings the entire screening process to a halt.  Keep things moving with easy on/off shoes -- no laces or Velcro to slow things down.  

What do you do to smooth the security process?