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