Plan, pack for air travel?s new baggage regulations

Since Sept. 11, the rules about packing for a flight have changed. These changes are designed to permit easy inspection of your property, both checked and carry-on.

You will now be limited to one carry-on bag and a purse or briefcase, everything else must be checked.

And make the luggage you check as simple as possible because hand examinations of your luggage may occur on a random basis.

At check-in you must have available a government-issued photo ID (federal, state or local), usually a driver's license or your passport. Be sure your luggage is properly tagged with your name and address.

Don't lock or strap your luggage until after check-in is completed.

If you have electronic items such as a laptop computer or cell phone in your carry-on, be sure the batteries are charged; security guards may ask you to turn them on to confirm that they work as intended.

Cameras may be opened for inspection, so pack them without film. All of these measures will help you get through security more quickly and conveniently.

Forbidden carry-on items include knives or any type of cutting instrument, corkscrews, baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks or pool cues. Walk-ing canes and umbrellas, nail clippers, safety razors and tweezers are permitted, as well as medical syringes with proof of medical need.

Remove metal objects from your person and hand luggage as much as possible because airports have set the tolerances on metal detectors at a very low level.

Since checked luggage will be subject to search, we suggest that you learn to pack only the most essential clothing and accessories.

Learn to think of clothing ensembles rather than single objects. Coordinate colors and stick to one or two overall color schemes that mix and match or work together.

We suggest bags with single compartments that are easier to search (and then repack) and pack groups of clothing in clear plastic bags, including your dirty laundry.

This type of packing will expedite a search as the agent can easily see the bags' contents. The same applies to cosmetics and jewelry which can be checked in clear containers more easily than in opaque bags.

Finally, get to the airport early, be patient and have tickets, documents and luggage ready to be examined. And be of good cheer. These security measures are for your protection and the protection of all your fellow passengers. We hope that your next flight be pleasant and comfortable.

(Linda and Dr. Don Overend are principals in The Travel Group, a full-service travel agency formed by the merger of Ozark World Travel, Con-sulting Travel and Thomas Travel.)