As the discussion of how to best secure our airports heats up, there are plenty of people throwing out ideas for how to keep travelers safe. Some of the ideas involve tactics that sound like science fiction such as mind reading, advanced lie detection, and three dimensional body scanning. There are more traditional ideas in the mix as well, such as randomizing screening methods, or more intense one-on-one screenings.

It is unclear which proposals will stick in the long run and be added to our security routines, but the ideas are certainly fascinating to read about. Check out this AP article for a more in depth look at some of the security proposals that are currently being considered.

As for your shampoo and toothpaste (in quantities greater than 3 ounces), they are immediately disposed of. As for your favorite pocket knife (or anything else considered of value), it will be donated to a state surplus agency, and be sold at auction, retail store, or website such as Ebay. Some agencies give first choice of the items to deserving organizations, like the Boy Scouts of America.

Just remember, if you have something of value and you want to keep it, your best chance is to put it in your checked-in baggage. Don’t risk losing your prized possession because you didn’t follow the rules. You can’t bring knives, corkscrews, electric saws, meat cleavers, bats, clubs, blades, wrenches, replica weapons, or even “decorative belt buckles shaped like guns or plastic toys”, (or gasoline, as one traveler tried and failed) with you on an aircraft. The rules are for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Source: www.cnn.com

Confrontations can happen in many ways:

• the most popular confrontation occurs when the flight attendant refuses to serve an already intoxicated passenger another beverage
• failing to comply with airline policies, such as staying seated when the seat-belt light is on or turning off personal electronics when the plane is taking off or landing
• fewer meals, snacks, and drinks, smaller seating space, more delays, more fees, and less fresh oxygen on board the aircraft are also triggers for confrontation

Interfering with a crew member can result in a civil penalty fine of up to $25,000. If criminal laws are also broken, the fine will be higher and jail time will most certainly be involved.

Source: www.cnn.com

The guns will need to be declared, checked, and stowed away unloaded in locked cases. This represents a return to the policy that was in place prior to September 2011.

So, if you are planning to travel across the country by train and you want to take your gun with you, now you can!

Source: Associated Press

• You are allowed a 3 ounce or smaller container of liquid or gel, such as shampoo, toothpaste, perfume, etc.
• A 1 Quart, clear plastic, zip-top bag can hold as many containers as necessary so long as each container contains no more than 3 ounces of liquid or gel.
• You are limited to 1 bag per traveler.

Of course there are exceptions to the this rule. Breast milk, baby formula, medications, and water are allowed, but must be declared to the security officers for screening. To make the process as smooth as possible, make sure to adhere the the size and quantity limits listed above, and be sure to declare your exempt items at the front of the line. Adhering to these suggestions will make the security checkpoint part of your travel go quickly and as smooth as possible.

Source: Transportation Security Administration