One place that offers a guaranteed wait is the airport. I don't know this from personal experience, I've only ever been on a plane once in my life and it was a long time ago, but I've heard stories.
Checking in, checking luggage, passing through a security check, it all takes time. There are some things you can do to speed the process along. You can begin by reviewing the TSA "What to Know Before You Go" page. Knowing what you can bring, how to pack it and what you need to leave at home will help speed the process for everyone.
Many of the restricted items are so obviously dangerous that it almost seems silly to see them listed. Why would anyone need or want to carry a saber, dynamite or meat cleaver onto an airplane? Someone somewhere thought it was necessary or these items wouldn't have made the list.
Other items on the restricted list would never have crossed my mind. Pudding, Jello, yogurt are all restricted to 3 ounces or less. As someone who was brought up to always pack food for a trip, these items would certainly be my downfall.
If you're wondering how much time it will take to pass through airport security the Transportation and Security Administration can provide general guidelines of approximately how much time you will spend in line.
The TSA offers a Security Checkpoint Wait Times page. Simply select your state or territory, the airport of departure and time and day of departure and click submit. You will be provided with the average minimum and maximum time people typically spend getting through security.
Knowing what to expect won't make time pass any faster, but it may ease the tension of waiting.
