Tips for getting you and your gear through airport checkpoints:

• Prepare your 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag of liquids before arriving at the airport. The rules still allow only three one-ounce or less containers of liquid in carry-ons. So that means you can't carry on liquor, beer, soda, sunscreen, mouthwash and other items if they're larger.

• Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.

• Wear slip-on shoes. This will allow you to take them off and put them back on quickly, without having to sit down.

• Think before you speak. Inappropriate jokes, belligerent behavior and threats can cause delays and even missed flights.

• Pack coats and jackets in your checked baggage when possible.

• Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap your gift.

• Items that might set off an alarm on the metal detector include: Keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal computers; heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links and lanyards); clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs; metal hair barrettes, belt buckles and underwire bras.

• Children. Take infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector.

• Pets. Please remove all animals from their carrying cases and send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.

For more details, visit www.tsa.gov.