If you have the time, take a quick walk through the Sea-Tac terminal to find the security checkpoint with the smallest number of people. Don't automatically go to the checkpoint nearest your airline ticket counter. The south, central and north checkpoints give access to all the gates.

Security lines were getting back to normal at times Friday, but they may swell periodically this weekend, especially when several thousand cruise passengers arrive or depart en masse from the airport. The cruise passengers are bussed between the airport and the downtown cruise ship docks .

Fast lane for checkpoints

The express security checkpoint lines for elite-level frequent fliers and first class/business passengers are operating again at Sea-Tac. Immediately after Thursday's chaotic introduction of new security regulations, there was nothing quick about them, however. The fast lanes are operated by various airlines, including Alaska Airlines, to speed their favored passengers toward the security staff.

Sea-Tac parking

Information

Sea-Tac Airport updates: www.portseattle.org/seatac or phone 206-433-5388.

The Sea-Tac parking garage is back to normal; the hourly parking area on the fourth floor (and monthly parking on the third floor) reopened on Friday. They had been closed to accommodate the huge lineups of passengers that backed up into the garage in the airport chaos on Thursday. Given the layout/access to the garage, airport authorities had to close both floors.

Defensive packing

To speed your way through security lines at Sea-Tac or any airport — and to help your fellow travelers — here are some packing do's and don'ts

• All gels, liquids and lotions are banned from carry-on luggage under new U.S. government rules. That means no water bottles, cosmetics, shampoo, contact lens solution, toothpaste, perfume, etc. Pack such items in checked bags or you'll have to throw them out at security checkpoints. To guard against liquids spilling in checked luggage, avoid breakable bottles and pack anything liquid in a sealed plastic bag.

• Liquids/items that are permitted:

• Baby formula (for passengers traveling with infants).

• Prescription medicine in its original container as long as it matches the passenger's name on the airline ticket.

• Essential non-prescription medicines such as insulin.

• Anything you buy to drink in the terminal can't be taken on the plane. Airlines are stocking up with extra drinks.

• Take as small a carry-on bag as possible; the less clutter, the easier it is for security personnel to screen bags. If in doubt about an item, put it in your checked luggage.

• For a list of what you can and can't pack, go the Transportation Security Administration Web site, www.tsa.gov

Check and check again

Before you leave for the airport, doublecheck your flight's status. Flight delays are lessening, but the new security rules can back up everything. International flights that go through London's Heathrow airport or other British airports are particularly affected, with cancellations and delays continuing.

If you're booking flights, particularly international ones, it's prudent to leave more time than usual between connections, especially for flights between the U.S. and Britain.

Britain security rules

Get more information on luggage/security rules at the British Airways Web site, www.ba.com (click on "Latest disruption update"). There's also information at the British government Web site: www.fco.gov.uk. Check with your airline on security rules since they may change.

Northwest strike delayed

Flight attendants at Northwest Airlines have delayed their threatened strike by 10 days, until Aug. 25 at the earliest because of the security concerns/turmoil from the foiled terror plot. The attendants, who originally threatened job action starting Aug. 15, are battling the airline over pay and benefit cuts.

Kristin Jackson: kjackson@seattletimes.com or 206-464-2271

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