Be Prepared. It's a maxim the Boy Scouts have followed for decades, and in this age of national security it is always prudent to be prepared in the event of emergency. The recent threats to international air travel set the world's airports on alert once again, and thanks to their diligence and the efficiency of law enforcement a great tragedy was prevented.

Going forward, airport security forces are called to make sure future threats to our freedom and welfare are nipped in the bud, that we may continue to travel for business and pleasure, and go on with our lives and work. To this end, as we prepare to travel it is always in our best interest to help makes things go easier for fellow passengers and airport personnel. Nobody likes to stand in line at the airport, be it at the ticket kiosk or at the security gates. Here are a few things to remember before you leave:

• New provisions in travel security forbid liquid items in carry-on bags. This may include cosmetics, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, drinks, hand lotions and gels. Sometimes we have may such items in our purses and packs and not think to check, so before you even leave for the airport make sure every forbidden item is packed in a bag you intend to check in. If it is not possible to pack these items, don't worry about them, and instead take along some extra cash to shop for necessities when you reach your destination.

• Items such as baby formula and prescription medications are permitted at the discretion of security. If you must carry these items on board, have everything out for inspection before it's your turn in line. Digging through purses and packs at the security kiosk will hold up the line, and not all tempers may hold as long.

• Arrive well in advance for your flight, especially if you are flying out of a large airport. Rule of thumb is three hours before departure, and we believe it is better to have to wait a while at the gate for your plane than to wait in line at the ticket counter or security as your plane leaves you behind!

• Have a reliable contact at home and at your destination in the event of a delayed or cancelled flight. If you do not have a cell phone, invest in a good "temporary" phone with a calling card in case you are stranded at an aiport without transportation.

• Dress comfortably if at all possible. If it turns out you may need to linger at the airport for a while, better to be wearing an airy blouse or shirt and slacks than a full business suit.

• Confirm all flight plans with the airline before leaving. Recent changes may have caused flight times to shift around,so you want to be sure you arrive well in time for your flight.

• And always keep a cool head. Know that some things are beyond your control. Take a deep breath and relax, then make a Plan B. Work and trips come and go, but your safety and that of your family is most important.

Through proper planning and consideration of others, new regulations in airport security can be met and smoothly executed without interrupting your travel plans.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer whose travel articles appear on Park Atlanta (http://www.parkatlanta.com), private airport parking for Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta, and The Grand Summit Hotel (http://www.grandsummit.com) of New Jersey.

If you've got a flight coming up soon, and a little extra time to spend preparing for your flight, you might want to try checking out a few of these sites that offer information and tips on air travel.

1. SeatGuru.com – Started by a frequent traveler in 2001, SeatGuru is a repository of information on the difference between airline seats. The site offers detailed seat maps, specific comments and observations about the seats, color coding to differentiate between the quality in seats, information on seat pitch and width measurements in all classes, and icons that inform on in-flight services.

2. 1000tips4trips.com – Those who travel frequently know the ins and outs of air travel. 1000 tips offers advice from people just like you who travel and have learned from their mistakes and successes on their trips.

3. ASPCA.org – What could the ASPCA possibly have to tell you about air travel? Many pet owners often have to take their pets on airplanes, and their site offers top ten tips for safe air travel with your pet.

4. BudgetTravelonline.com – The magazine Budget Travel has a website that is filled with the same timely and budget conscious advice that the print magazine is filled with. For air travelers, there are the basic travel tips about packing, advice on frequent flyer miles programs, tips for traveling with children or for sending children alone on an airplane, and advice that falls in between all of these topics.

5. Flyingwithkids.com – What's the best FAA approved seat that converts automatically into a stroller? What advice do flight attendants have for parents who bring children on board? Where can I get a pre-made carry-on packing list for my kids? All of these questions and many more are answered at Flyingwithkids.

   This site, which bills itself as a place for "air travel tips for families flying with an infant or small child" has product reviews, advice, packing lists, and travel stories for those who find themselves sitting next to a small one on board. There is even a place for visitors to the site to ask questions that they don't see already answered on the page.

6. Seniors-site.com – There are special considerations for senior citizens when they are traveling on an airplane, and this site explains what they may be. Tips on getting discounted airfare, combating fear of flying, and dealing with delays, overbooking and involuntary bumping can be found here.

7. USA Today's Today in the Sky blog – USA Today offers a column in the form of a blog that gives news and analysis about airlines, airports, and air travel. Ben Mutzabaugh posts news related to air travel several times a day on his blog that ranges from what laws the government is passing for airlines to which airports are cutting flights to which airline is beginning to charge for a previously free amenity. If it's timely air travel or airline news, Today in the Sky is covering it.

   Since the column is a blog, readers can post comments and questions about the articles. The blog is also categorized so readers who interested in seeing the pieces just on one topic, such as baggage, can find all related entries easily.

8. Worldairportguide.com – Worldairportguide has taken the information from most of the major international airports in the world and put it all in one convenient site for travelers to find. The site gives basic information such as airports' addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

9. Smartertravel.com – Want to know which airlines offer the best ammenties? What's the best day of the week to book air travel? What are today's top air travel news items?

10. TSA.gov – Six years ago, most airline travelers would have never thought to visit the Transportation Security Authority's website for information before traveling. However, since 9/11, security has been increased for all forms of travel and especially for air travel.

This article on air flight has been brought to you by daily travel air.

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