| Political turmoil and terrorist activities | | | | boarding pass. If you like you can have a |
| have resulted in tightening of airport | | | | travel wallet with an ID window on one side |
| security. If you are unaware of rules and | | | | and a pocket for the boarding pass and |
| regulations you could be detained or delayed | | | | luggage stubs on the other. |
| inordinately while passing through security | | | | |
| checks before boarding the plane. | | | | 7. Never carry any banned items. Buy what you |
| | | | need at your destination. |
| Here are a few insights: | | | | |
| | | | 8. Don't lock your checked bags. Often, if |
| 1. Never pack any banned items in your carry | | | | the x-ray shows anything odd you may need to |
| on luggage. Ensure that the luggage is of the | | | | open the bag for inspection. Once it is |
| right size and weight as outlined by airline | | | | through security you may lock the luggage. |
| regulations. | | | | |
| | | | If you keep updated on laws of the land or |
| 2. Before you walk through the metal detector | | | | check with your travel agent or airline a few |
| empty your pockets and place all items like | | | | days before departure you will be quite |
| coins, jewelry, hair clips, tie clips, | | | | prepared and will few problems. In case you |
| watches, belts and buckles into the outer | | | | are nervous about leaving your car in the lot |
| pocket for your carry on luggage so that it | | | | until you return consider going to the |
| moves through the x-ray machine and does not | | | | airport by cab. Alternately ask a friend to |
| cause a din when you walk through. | | | | drop you off. If you are being dropped then |
| | | | you can drive right up to the terminal and |
| 3. Wear sensible shoes with low heels, slip | | | | save yourself a long walk carrying your |
| on shoes are preferable. If you are asked to | | | | luggage. If you dress neatly, walk with self |
| remove the shoes do so with grace try avoid | | | | confidence, answer questions by security |
| shoes which have a metal heel arch. | | | | staff or airline employees with confidence |
| | | | and without hesitation there should really be |
| 4. Be prepared to switch on your mobile, | | | | no problem whatsoever. As a precaution try |
| i-pod, laptop, PDA and so on if asked. Keep | | | | not to strike up any friendships with men or |
| them all together. Be sure to switch all | | | | women you don't know. If you need to while |
| electronics off before take off and during | | | | away any time buy a book or magazine or |
| landing. | | | | window shop at the airport. Always eat a |
| | | | light meal before leaving for the airport, |
| 5. As soon as you enter the security area | | | | wear comfortable clothes and carry with you a |
| place the lap top and other carry ons on the | | | | jacket or coat in case it gets cold. Give |
| conveyor belt for checking by x-ray. Ensure | | | | comfort priority over style. |
| that all baggage including your purse has the | | | | |
| appropriate tags. | | | | If you are sensible and practical your flight |
| | | | will be enjoyable and passage through |
| 6. Keep a valid photo ID ready along with the | | | | airports without problems. |