You have made all your travel agreements, your neighbor's all set with a key to get in and water your plants. All that remains is to pack your bags and show up at the airport. Before 2001, this meant just stuffing your bag the evening before and getting yourself to the gate. Now, all carriers with an exit or landing point in the U.S. Randomly select a share of each flight's passengers for vigorous security screenings. Casual and careless packing won't do.

Here's a quick rundown of what to pack in an accessible manner and what not to pack, to make your air travel experience smoother and less stressful. Remember, everything on your person or in your hand is scrutinized before boarding. Checked luggage is screened as well. When you've booked your air travel tickets, check with the airline for its carry-on luggage size needs. There is no negotiating here. Standard items for air travel transportation become unusual in the eyes of a security inspector.

Toiletries in gel, liquid or aerosol form must be packed in boxes of 3-ounces or less. All the individual boxes must fit inside one clear plastic, quart-size zippered bag.

If your 3-ounces of shampoo are in a 4-ounce container, or you've used a gallon bag, out it is going in the trash! Be prepared to pull these items from your bag at the safety checkpoint for a new inspection thru the x-ray machine. Toiletries are simply got almost anywhere worldwide, consider buying on arrival at your destination.

This also saves cleaning up the foams and liquids that will douse the contents of your bag under cabin pressure during air travel. If you are carrying change in your pocket or jewelry items, pack these in clear plastic bags for simple inspection and save yourself a hassle. If you're carrying medicines, stash these separately in your carry-on and ask for a visual inspection, unless you do not mind them being x-rayed too. Security now specifies that shoes be x-rayed as well, so select a slip-on pair for air travel. When taking small children, fold up that stroller as you approach the security checkpoint and bag the basket contents separately. Some common items are always on the air travel no-fly list. Scissors, metal nail files, clippers or knitting needles are banned and will be tossed by security.

You can buy these items on arrival. You'll free up valuable packing space by simply eliminating them from your packing list. Leave the kid's toy knives and guns at home too. For the most recent complete list of items that are checked or forbidden, check the regime site at http:www.tsa.gov for guidance. You'll save time, hassles and be better prepared and less stressed for your air travel!

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