Tips on Flight Safety Rules, Airport Security

8 Flight Safety Tips for Travelers

1. Cut the clutter.

"The secret to getting through security smoothly is to de-clutter your carry-on bag," states the TSA's web site. "This lets our Transportation Security Officers get a clear, uncomplicated X-ray image of your carry-on."

2. Think about what you need during the flight.

When you pack your carry-on items, "limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight," the TSA recommends. Everything else can go in your checked bags.

3. When possible, keep packing liquids in a checked bag.

"You will get through security faster," states the TSA.

4. Carrying on medicine? Check your documentation.

The TSA says it recommends but doesn't require that passengers "bring along any supporting documentation (ID cards, letter from doctor, etc.) regarding their medication needs."

The TSA also recommends, but no longer requires, that the label on prescription medications match the passenger's boarding bass.

If those names don't match, be prepared to explain why to security officers.

5. Be ready to take off your shoes.

Passengers will still be asked to take off their shoes at the security checkpoint.

"However, persons with disabilities, medical conditions, and prosthetic devices do not have to remove their shoes," states the TSA.

"Those who keep their shoes on will be subjected to additional screening that includes a visual/physical and explosive trace detection sampling of their footwear while the footwear remains on their feet," states the TSA.

6. Flight crew should still be serving beverages on board.

"There are still in-flight beverages," TSA spokesman Darrin Kayser tells WebMD.

7. Flying to the U.S. from overseas? Check rules in the departure country.

The TSA's rules apply to all flights inside the U.S. and overseas flights departing from U.S. airports.

If you're flying into the U.S. from another country, the TSA recommends that you check the flight rules for your departure country.

8. Check the TSA's web site for updates.

Security rules can change at any time, though the TSA says it is "unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel policy will be made in the near future."

Any changes should be posted on the TSA's web site: www.tsa.gov.