To avoid a hitch, it's important to know the rules and regulations of air travel. The post-9/11 flight world is safer but far more hectic. Make sure you are aware of all rules and regulations--ranging from what to wear to what you can and cannot carry--to make your flight as simple as possible.
Prohibited items on planes include:
-- Explosive materials, such as blasting caps, dynamite, fireworks, flares, hand grenades, plastic explosives and explosive replicas.
-- Flammable items such as aerosols, fuels, gasolines, gas torches and lighter fluid.
-- Liquids and gels larger than 3 oz.
Non-flammable liquids and gels are allowed in carry-on luggage, as long as the items are in 3 oz. containers and are placed in one-quart plastic zip-top bags. Non-flammable liquids and gels in larger amounts and containers must be placed in checked luggage.
If the container is larger than 3 oz., but only contains 3 oz. of liquids or gels, it must still be in checked luggage.
Sharp items allowed in carry-on: Scissors with metal blades shorter than 4 inches, shaving razors held in a cartridge.
Sharp items allowed in checked luggage: box cutters, ice picks, metal knives, meat cleaver, razor-type blades, sabers, scissors, shaving razors, swords.
All shoes worn by passengers must be removed (but not socks) and placed on the belt to be scanned. They should not be placed in a bin, but directly on the belt.
To ease the checking process, wearing flip-flips or slip-off shoes is recommended.
On occasion, checked luggage will be physically checked by airline personnel. TSA makes a number of locks that adhere to a master key, which employees can carry when checking bags. If the lock does not adhere to the key, the locks will be cut if the bag needs to be inspected.
A passport is required at initial flight check-in, even if there is a domestic connection flight before crossing borders. The passport may also be required to show with boarding pass at both checkpoints and gates.
On foreign flights, infants and small children must have their own passports and tickets, unlike on domestic flights where an "infant in arms" ticket is acceptable.
Passports must be up to date to use in travel.
If traveling with a child who requires baby formula, breast milk, juice or other liquids, the liquids will be inspected, but if an infant or child is with you at the checkpoint, they will be accepted on the airplane. You or your child will not be asked to taste or test the liquid during a checkpoint. Some liquids may be tested for explosives.
