5 ways to make the most of your time in the airport security line this summer

Your shoes are off, your liquids are separated and your laptop is in hand. You've been waiting patiently for 20 minutes ... and you're still at the back of the line.

It's a familiar scene for the millions of travelers who are heading to the airport in the next few months. While there's some hope that the Transportation Security Administration will keep it together this summer travel season, the best strategy for passengers is to pack some patience and deal with it.

After all, the time spent in line does not have to be entirely wasted. Here are some of our ideas on how to pass the time, and use it well.

Get a jumpstart on your summer reading

You might not have the time or the free hands to pull out a paperback, but apps like iBooks, Kindle and NOOK make it easy to dive back into your book and tune out the people around you.

And if you want to catch up on current events, Pocket is a great app for saving articles to read.

Plan your vacation (or the next one)

A 2010 study found that the act of planning a vacation can make us happier than the actual vacation. Anticipation is a very powerful thing.

So use that power in your favor, and take the time to plan what you're going to do when you get to your destination. Scroll through top ranking restaurants and attractions on TripAdvisor, or make a list on Clear if you know what you'll want to do.

Got the whole trip planned? Or coming BACK from vacation? Start thinking about where you want to go next. Set alerts for airfares in Hopper or check out our suggestions for where to go this year.

Play games  

What better time for Candy Crush than the airport security line? The best phone games to pass the time in line can be played one handed, and games like Solitaire, Basketmania, or 2048 are also perfect.

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But be sure to turn off the volume before playing — the wrath of stressed travelers can be intense. 

Prepare for the moment of truth

Maybe this seems obvious, but you'll do yourself — and everyone else in line — a favor if you are actually prepared by the time you get to the checkpoint.

When you finally reach the conveyer belt and metal detectors, you want to be completely ready. Have your electronics out of their cases, your liquids in their clear bags, and your documents in an easy to reach spot. If you have loose items in your pockets, zip them up in your carry-on so you don't forget them in a tray.

Get to know the people around you

We don't often think about it, but the people around us in line could have amazing stories to tell.

Where are they going? Where have they been? What was the best part of their trip? The worst? You might get great tips, make new friends or be inspired for your next adventure. But take a hint if your fellow travelers are not in the socializing mood.

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