Since the September 11 attacks  or often referred to as 9/11 and with the recent Detroit airliner “failed bomb” incident, air travel rules have changed. Even President Barack Obama has ordered increased security for air travel.

If you are planning on flying, you will find that most of these changes have occurred right at airports.  It is advisable that you familiarize yourself with the new air travel rules even before your flight.

Airport security checkpoints have increased. The minimum checkpoints for an airport is now increased to 3. Take note that other airports are implementing more security checkpoints.

3 Airport Security Checkpoints (Minimum)

1. The first checkpoint is when you register for your seat on the airplane.This is the stage when you will be presented with your boarding passes and when you must hand over the luggage that you would like checked.  In addition to handing over your plane tickets or requesting your boarding passes, you will need to show the proper forms of identification. Don’t forget to bring at least 2 IDs (or Identification Card) These items most commonly include a driver’s license or a government issued identification card.

Once you have received all of your boarding passes, for all of your flights, you will need to hand over your luggage that you will be leaving below in the plane. These bags are commonly referred to as checked baggage or checked luggage.  As with your carry-on luggage, your checked baggage will need to be checked for prohibited items. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are.  Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search.  The good old fashioned sniffing dog may also be used in checking your luggage. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, which is looking for powdery substances.

2. Main airport security checkpoints. This is the time  where you will be required to have your carry-on luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. You will also need to walk through a metal detector. In the past, only random travelers were asked to remove their shoes for checking. At the current time, all air travelers, with the exception of those with a disability or hindering medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. When you travel for a summer vacation, it is better to wear sandals or flip flops because they are usually exempted to be x-rayed.

Check beforehand the items that are banned aboard an airplane, including items that are only prohibited from being stored in your carry-on luggage, to prevent unnecessary incident. In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken.  You may be required to return the item to you car, discard of it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security depending on the item in question,.  Leaving  all prohibited items at home is the best way to prevent this unnecessary tie up, which may cause you to miss your flight.

3. Presenting the boarding pass. This is the final step before being able to board your airplane.  When entering the airport terminal, after your airline as granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass.  As this time you may need to show your identification again; however, it isn’t always necessary. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but you may be pulled aside in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. That is why it is best that you stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage.

TIP: Don’t tell a story anything about bombs or  any kind of explosives, even if you’re just joking. Keep your mouth shut!

Following the air travel rules ahead of time is perhaps, the best way to ensure that your next flight is as pleasant as it can be   Knowing these rules , including the screening process, you should ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident.

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