.

Airport security has changed since 9/11, and anyone who travels today knows the drill. All liquids have to be in three ounce bottles and placed in a plastic baggie. No lighters, pocket knives or knitting needles will get through those metal gates. Security checks take longer, and two forms of ID (one being a photo ID) is a must. But is all this enough?

These precautions help ensure the passenger’s safety both in the airport and in the air. There are many precautions airport security takes, but there are still precautions the individual must take the initiative to ensure their own safety, and the safety of others.

By being aware of what’s happening and taking some basic actions, you can avoid certain dangers, and lessen the impact of others.

Basic Safety Measures in the Airport:

Get to the airport early. This is no longer an option. With increased security, passengers of national flights need to arrive at least one hour prior to departure, and if it’s at peak flying time (early in the morning or near a holiday), even more time should be allowed. Most airlines will not allow anyone to board who has not checked in at east 30 minutes prior to take off.

You can speed up the process by printing out your boarding pass online. Make sure that you have the credit card you booked the fight with on you–sometimes that’s the only way to retrieve your ticket.

Airport security is tight. Be prepared by having shoes you can easily slip off. Don’t wear a lot of jewelry and make sure you empty all your pockets. Expect to have a body scan or even a pat down. Place your bags on the belt when you are ready to walk through the magnetometer, and not beforehand. You want to keep an eye on your bag at all times and retrieve it as soon as you walk through.

You may be searched–so expect it. Carry-on and checked bags are subject to being searched. Leave presents unwrapped and don’t be surprised if your contents have been rifled through.

Many airports now have a full body scan. It takes about 30 seconds, and the personnel viewing the scan are in another room and it’s time delayed so as to offer passengers as much privacy as possible.

Don’t kid about having a bomb, gun or knife. Airport security must consider this a threat and are trained to react when they hear these words. You can also be fined or even be sentenced to prison time for threats in a public place.

Be aware of thieves and pickpockets. Thieves often work in pairs. If someone stands in front of you, leans down to tie a shoe, deters you in any way, then go on high alert. Recheck where you wallet and ID are. Check your pockets and pay attention.

A common tactic of thieves and terrorists is to switch bags when you’re standing at a counter–hotel, transportation, information kiosk, or coffee stand. Mark your bag with a bright tag or tape so that yours is identifiable.

Don’t approach an unattended bag–notify security, and don’t agree to watch someone else’s luggage while they go get something. You could be considered an accomplice if something were to happen.

If you have to set down your bags, then place them against a wall or counter, and stand next to them with your leg touching so that you can feel any movement if someone tries to take them. Take all your bags to the restroom with you. Don’t pack more than you can carry or keep an eye on.

Every airline asks if anyone has asked you to carry a package on for them. While this question sounds ludicrous, think long and hard. Terrorists can plan weeks, if not months in advance and could monitor your airline habits, so be aware even before you get to the airport. Think all the way back to your hotel, work, car, or taxi. Think about arriving at the airport–did you get knocked a bit, couldn’t find your bag for a minute in the restroom, or did someone pick up your bag and hand it to you? All these can seem like meaningless gestures, but they should be reported.

These simple tips can make travel less stressful and provide an extra level of safety to your flying experience.