We have all muttered more than a few words, under our breath, about the length of time we spend standing in not only the check-in line, but the baggage turn in line and the ultimate wait of the TSA line at the security checkpoint at the airport we use. Nevertheless, we still have people who fly without thinking, protracting the process even further!

I offer this recent time period, as an example. Between the 15th and the 21st of May this year, eighty-two guns were found in carry-on bags at airports across the United States. Sixty-Six of them were loaded. Hello! What part of the commercial airplane flying process, since September 2001, some 16 years ago, didn’t we understand? This is not an acceptable way to transport a firearm. Travelers who bring firearms to a security checkpoint could face criminal charges and up to $11,000 in civil penalties from the agency. In addition to guns, the agency often finds cane swords, brass knuckles, batons and pocketknives — all of which are prohibited.

Some of this has led the Homeland Security Secretary, John Kelly, to start looking at even tighter passenger screening measures. The result of which could require travelers to unpack their carry-on bags for screening. Mr. Kelly has also said in several press encounters that he is considering a laptop ban on international flights. He has already implemented such a ban on international flights originating from 10 cities in the Middle East and North Africa. Laptops are then required to be in checked luggage.

Have we as consumers added to this problem in other ways? In an effort to avoid paying a baggage fee we invariably are trying to cram everything we can into a carry on. Cluttered carry-on bags, which have become increasingly more common, can take longer for TSA screeners to decipher on an X-Ray machine. Items that can look like explosives, such as tablets, e-readers and food, are easier to decipher if they are placed into separate screening bins. Passengers that are not pre-checked are already required to place their laptops in separate bins. Requiring more passengers to divest their items may take longer on the front end, but the TSA says it ultimately speeds up the screening process. Officers are performing less manual bag checks if they have a clearer picture on the X-ray machine. This pilot program is being tested in at least 10 U.S. Airports and could expand to more if it is proven to be a time saver.

As a potential point of interest for travelers checking bags, Allegiant is announcing a free first bag to veterans. Also look to an announcement of new routes soon. See their website for more information.