Air Travel Tips

We have been travelling the US and visiting places abroad. Below are some of our observations; please review them prior to travel.

Don't expect security to be the same at every airport. X-ray machines are calibrated differently, and some small airports haven't spent the money on them. You may be inspected with a hand-held metal detector, in addition to - or instead of - the usual walk-through device. Also, some check points are routinely "patting down" travellers to check for weapons.
Do take as few carry-on bags as possible. Even better, don't take any. (The stated limit is one bag plus a purse or briefcase. The rule may be more consistently enforced as systems change.)
Expect to take your laptop out of its case. You may have to open the laptop.
You may be asked to show that your mobile phone and camera are working.
Be sure to pack any sharp objects (including knitting needles) or potentially dangerous items (such as cigarette lighters) inside checked baggage. Otherwise, they may be confiscated.
You may want to eat before you fly or take food with you. Some airlines have dropped or curtailed food service on domestic flights.
Heightened security has caused changes in unexpected places. A luggage storage facility we planned to use at a foreign airport was shut down following the September 11 attacks. Try to check out as many details as you can in advance of your arrival, and adjust your plans accordingly.
Expect long lines. But the lines do move.
Get there early: Everything takes longer than it used to. In an emergency situation, (your flight is about to leave without you) politely ask security personnel if you can slip in at the front of the line. In our experience, they've been agreeabe - far more agreeable than the travelers we had to cut in front of (fortunately they didn't have any sharp objects handy.)
If you encounter a glitch, try courtesy. It will get you farther faster. (Airline employees tell us they had one week of smiles. After that, people started getting irate again.)
Our clients have commented that this is truly a time to book through a travel agent: No matter where you are in the world, a travel agent can help you rebook. The same cannot be said about most online booking operations.