I have a routine that I always use. It has served me well. I stop in the restroom or even in the waiting area at ticketing. I put my wallet, watch, and cell phone in my jacket pockets and roll the scrunchable jacket up and put it in my backpack with my belt. I place my Kippie bag on top of this section. I zip lock my roller bag with my tools. I remove my large nail clippers and hang them on the outside of the backpack. I only have my boarding pass and ID in my pockets. They go in the bag after I am cleared by the TDC.

At the xray it is roller bag first, bin with shoes computer and Kippie (yes, all three in same bin, small computer) followed by backpack. I wait for all to disappear before I head to the AIT line. I have surrendered to the AIT just so I can keep an eye on my expensive tool case. BSX is still opt out. I used to leave the Kippie bag in the backpack until I started using pure Moroccan argon oil for a skin condition. There is something about that stuff that lights up the xray. Could be they can tell it is foreign.

Unless there is someone that is seriously travel naive in the line to the AIT, I am quickly through without incident and go to get my stuff. I usually beat it through. My roller bag nearly always gets checked and should if any bag gets checked. The TSO will grab it and ask whose it is. I wave my hand and say, "I will get my stuff and follow you, just wait." They always do. The bin comes through and I grab it and my backpack and follow them to the ETD. I take the clippers off the backpack and hand them to the TSO. Some will ask what it is for. I'll put it in my pocket and wait. It won't be long that they will be asking to borrow the clippers.

While they are checking the case, I put on my belt, take out the jacket put it on and transfer the right stuff to the right pockets. I put on my shoes and return the computer to the backpack.

I know, complicated process. The reason is to minimize my time between the TDC and "Have a nice flight." It works.