• Packing for vacationbeautiful young girl packs her clothes image by Andrejs Pidjass from Fotolia.com
  
  It is important to know the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules before heading to the airport. By knowing the TSA rules and regulations you will save yourself time while going through airport security. Since all airports are held to the same guidelines, once you know the basic requirements, you can jet-set all over the country. It is important to note that international flyers may be subjected to heightened security checkpoint requirements.
  
  

Imaging Technology

• There are two new imaging units, the millimeter wave and the backscatter. The millimeter wave takes a black and white, fuzzy, 3-D image of your body. The backscatter takes a black and white sketch of your body. These new devices are optional for all passengers. However, if you choose not to use the imaging unit, you will still have to go through security, in addition to a physical pat down by TSA security personnel.
  
  According to the TSA, "TSA has implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy, which is ensured through the anonymity of the image. The image cannot be stored, transmitted or printed, and is deleted immediately once viewed. Additionally, advanced imaging technology screening is optional to all passengers."
  
  

3-1-1 for Carry-ons

• The 3-1-1 rule refers to any 3.4 fluid ounces of liquid, which need to be placed in a quart-sized or smaller zip-lock bag. Each traveler is allowed one quart-sized or smaller bag.
  
  This rule pertains to liquids, which include but are not limited to shampoos, mouthwash, contact lens solution, toothpaste and face wash. Take the baggie of liquids out of your carry-on and place in an X-ray bin. Failure to do so can lead to the TSA searching your bag, which will delay you and many other travelers. It is important to note that any liquids that are in a bottle larger than 3.4 ounces will be thrown away.
  
  There are a few exceptions to this rule, which include baby formula, breast milk and medications. These items can exceed three ounces and do not need to be placed in a zip-lock baggie, as long as they are declared at the security checkpoint.
  
  

Prohibited Items

• When in doubt, put the item in your checked luggage. However, if you are not checking luggage you can pack pointed metal scissors as long as they are four inches or shorter, tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, or pliers that are seven inches or shorter, common lighters, and small compressed gas cartridges which include two life vests and two spares. Non-flammable liquids, gels and aerosol paints are allowed as long as the 3-1-1 Carry-on liquid rule is followed.
  
  

Food & Gifts

• Do not wrap gifts prior to going through the security checkpoint, because they may have to be unwrapped. If you want the gift to arrive wrapped to your destination, the best advice is to ship it prior. Check or ship jams, snow globes, salad dressings, wines and cheeses. They will not be allowed through the security checkpoint, and may be thrown away. Any items purchased after the checkpoint have been pre-screened and are allowed on the plane.