Travel tips from TSA

A MUST read for anyone traveling by air...
Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint.

Before the Airport

Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport. Read the Permitted and Prohibited Items list is available at http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1012.xml.
Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.
Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.
Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film. Got to http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1248.xml for details.
Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock. A list is available at http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_multi_image_with_table_0234.xml
Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport.
Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.

At the Airport
Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display these documents more than once.
Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
Mobile phones
Keys
Loose change
Money clips
PDA's (personal data assistants)
Large amounts of jewelry
Metal hair decorations
Large belt buckles
Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.
Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers.

Go to http://www.tsa.gov/ for complete information.