"Good afternoon sir. How are you today? I need to see your boarding pass and ID please. Please remove your outermost garment. You'll need to take your laptop out of the case and place it separately in the bin. Sir, I would recommend removal of your shoes. They look like they will set off the metal detector. Yes, I would also recommend removing your belt, as well. Do you have any other metal or foil in your pockets, sir? Keys, cell phone, money clip, coins, gum wrappers, cold medicine, batteries, lottery tickets, cigarettes? Sir, I'll need you to place your newspaper and bagel in the bin please. No, I'm sorry cigarette lighters and Swiss army knives are prohibited items. You will not be allowed to bring those on the aircraft. You may voluntarily relinquish these items; you may return them to your vehicle; give them to a non-traveling companion or mail them home to yourself. Thank you, have a great flight, please step through the metal detector now."

If you've flown the friendly skies since 9/11, you'll notice some major changes at the airport checkpoints. At times you'd think you were stepping into a third world country with the dozen or more federal security screeners herding you through the process of merely getting to the gate prior to boarding the aircraft. Due to heightened security, new safety measures were implemented November 19, 2001. These measures should not be looked upon as invasive or time consuming, but rather offer peace of mind knowing all others on the aircraft are screened in the thorough manner.

Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint. Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport. 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. Checkpoint x-ray will not damage any undeveloped film under 800 speeds. 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. 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.

Most importantly arrive at least 60-90 minutes prior to the departure of your flight to allow adequate time to check in and to be screened. The screening process cannot be expedited. The employees will do a thorough, consistent job regardless if your flight leaves in an hour or in 3 minutes.

Following these simple tips will ensure a safe, peaceful flight. Further information can be found at the tsa.gov website.

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