No matter how exciting your trip may be, there’s one part of the experience that can strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere: airport security. The long lines, strict rules, and bustling crowds can be challenging enough on their own, but add restless kids to the mix and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! With a bit of preparation and a few handy tips, you can turn a potentially stressful part of travel into a surprisingly manageable (or even smooth!) experience. After all, the goal is to get your family from point A to point B with as little hassle as possible. Here are six strategies to help you glide through airport security with your kids in tow.

1. Prep Your Kids Ahead of Time

Kids thrive on routine and predictability, so one of the best ways to ease their anxiety (and yours) is to prepare them for what’s coming. Talk to them about airport security before you leave for the airport. Give a simplified explanation of what’s going to happen, such as walking through a scanner or placing their belongings on a belt to be checked. Make it feel like an adventure by framing it as a game or a chance to be a “travel pro.”

If your kids are older, you can emphasize why these procedures are important in a way they’ll understand—for example, ensuring everyone’s safety. For younger ones, role-playing can be very effective. Practice taking off shoes, putting their backpack on a conveyor belt, and walking through an imaginary scanner with their arms raised. The more familiar they are with the process, the less daunting it will feel.

Tip for toddlers and young kids: Always reassure them that their favorite toy or blanket is just “going for a ride” and that it will come back to them after it goes through the security scanner.

2. Organize Your Belongings Before You Leave

An organized bag is your secret weapon against chaos at airport security. You’ll be moving quickly, so make sure everything you’ll need to remove is easy to access. That means packing liquids and electronics in layers that can be easily reached, rather than buried at the bottom of your carry-on. Using clear resealable bags for liquids and separating electronics like tablets and laptops can save you time and stress at the checkpoint.

When traveling with kids, keep any necessary items for them (snacks, bottles, or medication) in one well-organized pouch, so you won’t waste time digging around. Stash any jackets, scarves, or accessories you’ll need to remove in a single bag or leave them at home so you don’t have to juggle too many stray items.

If your child uses a stroller, check if it needs to be folded for inspection. Remove bags or personal items from it ahead of time to avoid holding up the line.

Pro tip for parents with infants or toddlers: Baby food, formula, and breast milk are allowed in larger quantities than the usual liquid limits, but these items will need to be screened separately. Keep them in an easily accessible section of your bag.

3. Invest in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

If you’re a frequent traveler, signing up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can be a total game-changer for family trips. With TSA PreCheck, you’ll get access to faster lines and more streamlined procedures, like keeping your shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening. It’s especially helpful for parents trying to juggle kids, strollers, and carry-ons without breaking a sweat.

Good news for families: Children under 12 can accompany a parent in the PreCheck lane without needing their own membership. To enroll, there’s a short application process, including a background check and a quick in-person appointment. While the $78 fee for five years might sound steep upfront, it’s well worth the investment if you want to make airport security something you barely have to think about.

Global Entry might be ideal if you travel internationally with your family. It includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck but also speeds up your re-entry into the U.S. through faster customs processing.

4. Dress Smartly

When dressing for a flight, comfort should be your first priority, but convenience at security shouldn’t be far behind. Opt for slip-on shoes or sneakers without complicated laces for both you and your kids. Avoid wearing anything that might set off alarms, like metal belts, heavy jewelry, or watches.

Layering can also be a good strategy, as airports can be chilly, but security is much easier when you don’t have bulky jackets to remove. For younger kids, dress them in layers that can unzip or pull off quickly without undoing an entire outfit.

If your child is under two and in a baby carrier, you may be asked to wear them through the scanner without removing them. Check with your carrier’s guidelines to ensure it’s made of materials that won’t set off any alarms.

Bonus tip: Empty your pockets completely before security, and encourage older kids to do the same to avoid delays. That loose change or forgotten candy wrapper can cause unnecessary backups.

5. Plan for Entertainment During the Wait

Airports are full of long lines, and that can be tough for impatient little ones. To make the wait at security more bearable, pack a few small items to keep your kids entertained. Coloring books, small puzzles, or a favorite toy can all work wonders to distract them while you’re waiting.

For tech-savvy families, loading up a tablet with a favorite movie or educational games can help keep older children occupied during downtime. Just make sure everything is fully charged before you leave home, and pack chargers or portable batteries in your carry-on for emergencies.

Remember, a calm and entertained child is easier to manage during the entire security process. It gives you a chance to focus on logistics without having to juggle cranky kiddos.

6. Give Yourself Extra Time

If there’s one universal truth to traveling with kids, it’s this: things will almost always take longer than you expect. Unlike solo travelers or couples, families need extra time to handle surprises, whether it’s a last-minute bathroom run or a temper tantrum mid-line.

Arriving earlier than usual for your flight ensures you won’t feel rushed or panicked if things don’t go perfectly. Most experts recommend arriving at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for international flights, but with kids, adding at least an extra 30 minutes is a good idea.

Having extra time means you can focus on getting through security at your family’s pace without feeling frazzled. You might even have a few spare moments to grab snacks or explore the terminal before boarding.