Over the past few years, airline safety has become more important than ever, as more extensive measures have been taken to ensure safer travel while both on and off the airplane. Various rules and regulations have been put into place, and guidelines established that have changed the flying experience as we know it. Still, they are necessary, and have improved not only the quality of travel, but also helped to instill peace of mind.

After the terrorist attacks of 2001, the airline industry was forced to rethink the existing security measures, and replace them with a more careful and stern approach. While it may take longer for you to check in at the airport, mean more time standing in line, and require everything you own to be searched and X-rayed, it does mean that your safety matters and that all precautions are being taken to insure safer arrival. Below is information on what these new guidelines do and don’t allow, and how you can help secure your safety as well as that of your fellow travelers.

Because of recent attempted terrorist activity, the already heightened security measures have been bolstered even more to insure safety and prevent such attacks from occurring again. When you travel by plane, there are specifications placed on items you are allowed to carry. If any items that have been deemed inappropriate are present upon check-in, they will be confiscated, so knowing what they are ahead of time will prevent your losing them.

Most liquids are now limited in carry-on luggage and cannot be taken through security checkpoints unless they are in 3-ounce containers or smaller, and are stored in a clear plastic zip lock bag up to one quart in size. Such liquids include: drinks, toothpaste, perfume, shampoo, hair gels and sprays, suntan lotion, and a host of similar items. Larger bottles of these items are allowed only in checked luggage. Drinks, liquids, and gels purchased in airport stores that are located inside security checkpoints are now allowed on flights. You can, however, now carry solid lipstick and baby food in your carry-on bags. Also, small doses of liquid medication are permitted. Baby formula and other medications are allowed as long as they are inspected before you board the plane.

Lighters are banned from carry-on bags and checked luggage unless they do not contain fluid, or are in a case approved by the department of transportation.

While going through security, all shoes must be removed and placed on an X-ray belt for proper screening. This is done to guard against sharp or otherwise harmful objects that could be hidden there and later used against other passengers and airline staff members. Once the shoes are cleared, you may put them on again.

Blood sugar treatments such as glucose gel is permitted on board. If you carry such an item, you may be asked to identify it while going through security, and will be permitted to keep it close at hand. The same may be true of other similar types of medication, so you may want to inquire about specifics if you are unsure.

Laptop computers, cellular phones, and iPods are among those items banned on British flights, but they are allowed on flights in the U.S. If you are traveling to another country and are unsure about carrying such items, inquire about this before arriving at the airport. Pagers and personal data assistants are also allowed on flights within the U.S. If you do carry an electronic device on the plane, you will be given specific instructions concerning its appropriate use. For example, all electronic items must be stowed away during take-off and landing to prevent objects from shifting about in the cabin. Once you are safely in the air, you will be instructed as to how you may use your items and which items you will be allowed to use. Use of cellular phones is prohibited unless they are placed in airplane mode, which will allow you to play games and access personal information not specific to surfing the Internet, sending or receiving E-mail, or making and receiving calls. These tasks are not allowed at any time while the plane is in the air, or during take-off and landing. Laptops, iPods, and personal data assistants may be used once you are in the air.

Upon purchase of your ticket, you will be asked to arrive at the airport at least two hours early to allow for additional screening. Remember to plan for a line at the security area. Although the actual check-in process may not be lengthy, the line may be, so you will want to have plenty of time to go through before the first boarding call. If you are eligible for pre-boarding, plan to arrive a little earlier so you will be able to take advantage of this option.

If you are traveling to a country outside the U.S., contact your airline for additional information on extra security measures and precautions that might be required. Be sure to take note of any such rules and regulations, as you will need to follow them on both your departure and return flights. Also, be sure you have all necessary travel documents such as your passport before arriving at the airport.

Though the security regulations are the same for all airlines, certain rules may vary among different carriers. These can include the number of carry-on items you are allowed per person on a flight, or how many bags each person is permitted to check. Because of this, you might consider asking an airline representative questions concerning such matters at the time you purchase your tickets. Also, because some airports are smaller than others, the time required for check in may vary. Call the airport from which you will be departing to obtain this information as well. As always, when traveling, keep the safety regulations in mind, and remember that they are there to protect everyone. It’s worth it to take a little extra time out of your day to insure you will arrive at your destination safely, and that you will have a safe return.