The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charged with the task of ensuring that travel is safe for all people. They are faced with ever changing methods of attacks and have to adjust to face all of the threats. It is inconvenient to have to place your liquids in a zip-top bag for easy inspecting, but it is required for your safety.

Check the TSA web site before you travel to see if there are any changes to the rules and regulations. They do change as threats change. You can now carry a lighter with you which is a change from last year. So, check before you go.

3-1-1 for carry-on's = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume); 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

Before you make that perfume or whiskey purchase at the duty free shop, check and ensure that you can carry it on board. It may be OK for the initial leg of your flight but not allowed on follow-on legs. Check before you waste your money. You may have to make your purchase just before your last flight leg.

Following the rules and cooperating with the TSA personnel will make your trip start off easier. Trying to sneak something by will just get you in trouble and may cause you to miss your flight. You could possibly be arrested if you fail to follow the instructions.

The rules are there for your safety and the safety of your fellow passengers. Be prepared before you fly and you will breeze through the security checkpoints.