Even as Congress debates even tougher measures, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new set of regulations intended to guarantee the safety of passengers flying the nation's airlines. Since these heightened security steps, now in effect at all U.S. airports, could cause significant delays and require many regular air passengers to change their travel habits, the FAA has issued a helpful set of tips.

Carry-on Item Limit

• All passengers will now be limited to taking only one carry-on bag and one personal item like a purse or briefcase onto the plane.

Allow Extra Time
Travelers should anticipate extensive screening procedures, causing delays that may very in length depending on national security conditions at the time. Travelers should always call their airline to find out how early before departure to arrive at the airport.

• Travelers should use public transportation to the airport whenever possible.
• Airport parking and curbside access are likely to be limited. Curbside check-in is now allowed on an airline-by-airline basis only. Contact you airline to see if curbside check-in is in effect at your airport.
• All luggage and carry-on items may be searched by hand, even after clearing x-ray and metal detectors.

Airport Check-in

• One form of government-issued, picture identification (federal, state or local) will be required. Travelers may be required to show this ID at more than on point, such as at ticket check-in and at the gate, along with a boarding pass.
• Airports that have been cleared by the FAA to do so, may have automated check-in kiosks at the airport. Travelers should check with their airline on this option.
• E-ticket travelers should check with their airline to make sure they have proper documentation. Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation, may be required.

Passenger Screening Checkpoints

• Only ticketed passengers are now allowed beyond the screening checkpoints. The only exceptions will be for persons with special medical needs, or for parents who must accompany children to the gate area.
• Each traveler will be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (i.e., purse or briefcase).
• All electronic items, such as laptop computers and cell phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X-rayed separately.
• Travelers should limit the number of metal objects worn on their persons.
• Travelers should remove all metal objects prior to passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process.

Items NOT Permitted in Aircraft Cabins
Along with firearms or explosive devices of any kind, the following items not placed in, or transported as checked baggage will be subject to confiscation:

• Knives of any length, composition or description 
• Cutting instruments of any kind and composition, including carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades).
• Any device with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors and metal nail files.
• Corkscrews
• Baseball/softball bats
• Golf Clubs
• Pool cues
• Ski poles
• Hockey sticks
• When in doubt, items should be checked in with baggage.

Items that ARE Permitted in Aircraft Cabins

• Walking canes and umbrellas (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed)
• Nail clippers
• Safety razors (including disposable razors)
• Syringes (with documented proof of medical need)
• Tweezers
• Eye lash curlers

At the Gate

• Travelers must be prepared to present a valid photo identification card, along with their boarding pass.
• Travelers and their bags may be subjected to additional screening at any time.

At All Times (at the airport or onboard the plane)

• Keep all bags and personal items under your control.
• Do not bring or attempt to bring any item onboard for another person.
• Immediately report any unattended items in the airport or aircraft to the nearest airport or airline personnel.

The Federal Air Marshals program has been reactivated. New marshals are now being hired and trained, and many are already serving onboard certain flights. The marshals are armed and wear plain clothes rather than uniforms.