• Luggage travel requirements have changed greatly from the past.luggages image by MLProject from Fotolia.com
  
  After the events of September 11, 2001, many airlines and airports were required to change the rules regarding luggage and security in order to protect the lives of both passengers and employees. New rules were created regarding what materials could be placed in carry-on luggage, as well as what items were allowed to be stored as checked baggage. The Transportation Security Administration is responsible for setting and enforcing luggage rules and regulations.
  
  

Carry-On Bags

• Airlines allow passengers to bring one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, onto the plane during a flight. The carry-on bags must meet specific size requirements set by each airline and must fit comfortably in the overhead compartment or underneath the seat in front of the passenger; the average maximum size is 45 linear inches. When traveling with liquids such as cosmetics, passengers must abide by the 3-1-1 rule: passengers are allowed one quart-sized clear plastic bag that may hold 3-oz. or smaller containers, with each passenger allowed one bag. For travelers with medications, breast milk or baby formulas and foods, quantities exceeding 3 oz. are allowed in reasonable amounts and must be declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.
  
  

Prohibited Items

• The TSA has a specific list of prohibited items that are either not allowed on the plane at all, or that are only allowed in checked baggage. Items on this list include sharp objects, guns and firearms, tools, explosive and flammable materials, and sporting goods. Any sharp object, with the exception of scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches, must be placed in checked baggage. All sporting goods, firearms and ammunition are prohibited in carry-on luggage and must be checked. Flammable and explosive items such as fireworks, flares, realistic replicas of explosives, gasoline, fuels and lighter fluid are prohibited on any flight; however lighters without fuel are permitted.
  
  

Traveling With Food or Gifts

• For checkpoint employees, travelers attempting to bring food and gifts in their carry-on luggage can create a challenge. Passengers are allowed to bring items such as cakes and pies onto the plane; however such items are subject to additional security screening. Security officers also warn travelers not to wrap gifts that are being placed in carry-on luggage, as they may have to unwrap the gifts for further inspection. The TSA also has a list of items that it recommends are placed in checked baggage or shipped ahead of time. These items include perfume and cologne, gift baskets with food items, gravy, jams and jellies, lotions, oils and vinegars, salad dressing, snowglobes, soups, sauces and alcoholic beverages such as wine, liquor and beer.