Passengers should be reminded that increased security measures are being enforced at Mid-Continent Airport as well as all airports across the nation and that new carry-on baggage limits exist. The recently enforced measures allow each passenger one appropriately sized carry-on bag and one personal item (purses and laptop computers will be considered personal items). Individual airlines may impose more stringent policies, so please check with your airline before arriving at the airport.

In order to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, ATA is offering the following holiday travel suggestions:

Air Transport Association Travel and Security Tips

• Do not wrap packages or gifts - they should remain unwrapped whether carried onboard or placed in checked luggage. It is preferable to ship them in advance, using one of the many express-mail service companies.

• Leave for the airport early enough to allow extra time for increased security checks, potential airport traffic, parking delays and longer luggage check-in lines. Check with your airline regarding appropriate arrival times, availability of curbside check-in and proper e-ticket documentation.

• Passengers should be aware that any jokes regarding security issues, such as bombs, are no laughing matter and will be taken seriously. In the past, arrests have been made in response to these types of comments.

• Control all bags and personal items. Do not leave luggage unattended or with strangers. Report unattended items in the airport/aircraft to the nearest airport/airline personnel.

• Do not carry any item from a stranger, or any luggage or packages that someone else has packed.

• Do not pack hazardous materials such as matches, lighters or flammable liquids in your luggage.

• Passengers should be prepared to show a valid government-issued photo ID, along with a boarding document with flight departure for the current date, to enter the secured area beyond the screening checkpoint. Approved boarding documents include: a receipt for an electronic ticket (including ticket number); an itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency confirming an electronic ticket (including ticket number); a boarding pass or a paper ticket. Passengers should keep their photo ID with them at all times.

• Make sure that all checked and carry-on bags are properly tagged, inside and outside, with the ticketed passenger's name, address and phone number. Free identification tags are available at airport ticket counters.

• Always carry medicine, cash, jewelry, passports, visas, business papers and other valuables such as cameras onboard with you.

• Remove all metal objects prior to passing through metal detectors. Be aware that electronic items (laptops, cell phones, etc.) are subject to additional screening/X-ray.

• Items permitted in aircraft cabins (subject to inspection) include: nail clippers, syringes (only for passengers with documented medical needs), safety razors (including disposable razors), tweezers, eyelash curlers, walking canes and umbrellas.

• Items prohibited in aircraft cabins (must be placed in checked baggage or risk confiscation) include: knives of any length, composition or description; cutting instruments of any kind or composition, including carpet knives, box cutters (spare blades), any device with a folding/retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors and metal nail files; corkscrews; baseball or softball bats; golf clubs; hockey sticks; pool cues and ski poles.

Pay close attention to inflight announcements about restrictions regarding the use of portable electronic devices such as personal computers and CD players. Cellular telephone use is prohibited during all phases of flight.