Since September 11, 2001 or "9/11" as that infamous day is called now and forever will be known that way in our history annuals 'till the end of time, I've done very little traveling by plane. I would say that in the last eight months I've cut my air traveling down by at least two thirds. Despite that, I feel confident that I can answer your e-mail concerns about getting through airport security.

From Anonymous came this request of me. "Since 9/11 a lot of things have changed due to (the) required (increase in) airline security. What can passengers carry on planes now, like nail clippers, wireless cell phones, hand held computers, etc. I will be traveling with my wife in a couple of weeks and no one I know seems to have an answer. Can any frequent travelers out there give me a few hints? Thanks

Well, Weary Travelers, I'll try but it's a minefield out there -- oops, excuse the pun! Here is an abridged list of items that are prohibited from the aircraft cabin:

1. Knives of any type.
2. Any cutting and puncturing instruments; box-cutters, of course, ice picks, straight razors, scissors and metal nail files.
3. Corkscrews and blades of any type or size.
4. Athletic equipment that could be used as a weapon; baseball/softball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles and hockey sticks.
5. Weapons; firearms, ammunition, gunpowder, mace, tear-gas, or pepper spray.
6. Aerosol spray cans; hair spray, deodorant, insect repellent or butane fuel (such as in curling iron refills), scuba and propane tanks, cartridges and self-inflating rafts.
7. Explosives; fireworks, sparklers or signal flares.
8. Flammable liquids or solids; fuel, paints, thinners, cleaners, lighter fuel and perfume.
9. Other hazardous items; dry ice, gas powered tools, wet cell batteries, camping equipment with fuel, radioactive materials, poisons and infectious substances.

WARNING: If in doubt, DO NOT pack it.

ALSO, DO NOT:
Carry anything around the airport or onboard the aircraft for another person. Joke about having a bomb or firearm.

Discuss terrorism, weapons, explosives or other threats while going through security checkpoints.

CHECKING IN:
You will be required to have a government issued ID when you check in for your flight-driver's license or passport. You may be asked to produce this ID more than once during the check in process, so be prepared to show ID and boarding pass at each stage of the boarding process. Only ticketed passengers will be allowed through security checkpoints.

SECURITY SCREENING:
Passengers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item, like a purse or a briefcase. You must pass through metal and explosive detection equipment and you could be hand searched and sniffed by dogs.

As per federal legislation, effective January 2002, 100% baggage screening procedures have been instituted at all US airports. You will be subject to baggage matching and all baggage loaded onto the aircraft must be matched to a passenger on board that aircraft. All carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. This includes cellular telephones, paging devices, lap top computers, PLD's (CD players etc.), electronic toys and games and cameras. If at all possible, some of these items could be included in your checked baggage. Leave gifts unwrapped.

If you have a medical condition that requires you to carry a needle and/or a syringe, it must be accompanied by the medication packaged with the original pharmaceutical label. Avoid carrying bottles of liquid through the screening checkpoint.

I think that by now we all understand that security is necessary for the good of all. So, show the patience, understanding and circumspection in your contact with the officials who will sometimes seem to irritate you. Answer all their questions in a calm, honest and open manner.

I sincerely hope that I've answered your question thoroughly and covered everything that might have been a concern for you. If further elucidation is required, please e-mail me again.

Enjoy your summer and happy traveling.