Due to the rather dubious distinction of being a very frequent flyer, I amass upwards of 75,000 airline miles per year. Through my many travels, I have become as much a professional in travel as a professional in my actual profession, and I have learned many tricks to make my way through the airport as quickly and efficiently as possible. Because getting through the airport effectively is a win-win situation for all, I have no qualms about sharing some of these tips with you. After all, the faster you get on the plane, the faster I get on the plane.

A heavy suitcase now results in an extra fee when you check your luggage. As you pack, imagine yourself using each item on your trip. If you have trouble visualizing it, you probably don't need it. Your larger suitcase should be reserved for the lighter objects, while the smaller suitcase should be reserved for your heavier possessions. Books, for example, should be placed in your smaller suitcase. With a 50-pound fee threshold, 90 pounds of luggage should be proportioned as 45 pounds in each suitcase, rather than 60 pounds in one and 30 in the other.

Up Next: Pack Intelligently

Don't pack any "questionable" objects like matches, scissors or corkscrews in your carry on. Having such objects will result in additional security screening and a complete waste of your time. To make matters worse, security will likely take these objects away. If you must bring such objects on a trip, make sure you check them. You should also pack in an organized manner. In the event of a search, unless you want them to make a mess of your belongings and/or take longer than they should, everything should be packed in a neat and orderly manner.

Up Next: Carry-Ons

Checking luggage involves wasting additional time during the check-in process. By managing to carry on all of your belongings, you will regularly save anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes of your time. You should try to purchase luggage created specifically to fit into the average overhead luggage bin. Many designs allow you to pack a surprisingly large amount of stuff, but still carry the luggage on. To make your travels even more pleasant, make sure your suitcase has wheels.

Up Next: Check-In

First, do a little research to see how long the check-in process generally takes for your airport, airline and type of flight. For example, international flights and busy airports are all determinants for a longer check-in process. You should also try to avoid peak times when traveling. This includes Monday mornings and Friday and Sunday evenings. The difference in people at the airport between Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon boggles the mind.

Up Next: Security

Transfer all metal objects into your carry-on luggage or jacket pockets before approaching security. Watches, change, keys, and cell phones can trigger the detector. Make sure that your passport or ID is ready to go. The security agent will ask for it, so leave it in your pocket after checking in. The 30 to 60 seconds you spend to get it out of your wallet or carry-on may not seem like a lot, but it all adds up. Wear shoes that slip on and off with ease. Avoid shoelaces at all costs, and don't even think about laced boots. Be prepared to remove your laptop and digital camera from their cases for inspection.
Up Next: X-Ray Machine

I also suggest placing the items going through the X-ray machine in a logical order so that you can start rearranging and reorganizing your things in the exact order they come out. Here is an example of how you can order your items -- shoes/coat, laptop/digital camera, small carry on used to store laptop/digital camera, and lastly, your small suitcase. This order allows you to put on/away the former items while waiting for the latter ones.

Up Next: Customs

Try to make the customs process as painless as possible. Do your best to look presentable. Anything that makes the customs agent think you're up to no good prolongs the process until his suspicion subsides. Leave your "Anarchy Now" shirt in your suitcase and opt for more conservative attire. Filling out your customs forms while still on the plane will save you some time and don't put $0 as your declaration. This almost certainly isn't true, and will only result in suspicion on the part of the customs agent (and more wasted time at the airport).

Up Next: Plane

Choose your seat before you get to the airport. Ideally, you should get a seat assignment when you book your tickets. Few things are as frustrating as trying to change your seat from an aisle to a window at the gate. If you want to make sure your carry-on luggage doesn't end up in the belly of the plane, then don't sit in the front of the plane. (Obviously, this does not apply to travelers with elite status.) Remember that most airlines seat people from the back of the plane forward. If you are the last group on the plane, your luggage will also be the least likely to fit in the overhead bins since they may already be full.

Up Next: Baggage Claim

Find a way to distinguish your luggage from everybody else's. For example, if you have the generic black suitcase, then make it stand out by tying a colored piece of fabric around the handle. When it comes to checking luggage, no secret tricks exist to speed things up. Some people believe if their luggage is last to go on, it will be the first to come off. The way the luggage is placed on the plane depends on a variety of factors determined by the airport, airline and particular baggage handlers. The order in which the luggage comes off the plane varies from flight to flight.

Up Next: Patience

Now that you know these tips about packing and preparation, your time-reduced trip through the airport can only be a stress-free experience. Of course, I can't guarantee that you'll always get in and out of the airport quickly. Despite your best efforts, delays still happen during travel, on a number of levels. All you can really do is be mindful of the factors you can control. Any further delays can only be handled with patience.

Up Next: More Travel Features

Find inspiration and get great getaway ideas on AOL Travel.

• Confessions of a Pilot
• Confessions of a Flight Attendant
• Confessions of a Baggage Handler

• Check Out These Cruises!
• See What Europe Has To Offer!
• See What's Going on Across the USA

Subscribe to the weekly
AOL Travel Newsletter today!