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Restricted Air Travel
Travelers should expect significant changes to check-in policies, carry-on restrictions, and airport security rules. Here are a few changes that may impact your travel plans.

Checking In

Arrive early: To avoid the possibility of missing your flight, arrive at the airport at least two (three if international) hours before your flight. UPDATE: Most travelers report that check-in and security are running very smoothly, and they had extra time in the terminal. Still, we recommend you follow your airline's guidelines, and plan on extra pre-flight wait time. All airlines recommend confirming your flight's status before heading to the airport. If traveling on an e-ticket, bring a printout of your ticket with you (or ask the issuing agent for a paper ticket).

Check bags at the counter: For your security, all bags must be brought to the check-in counter when you arrive at the airport. You may not check luggage curbside or at off-airport sites (though ticketing and seat assignments may still be provided by these sites). Update: Curbside service is resuming at some airports.

Your Carry-On Bag

Sharp objects: 
It's not just the obvious items. Place any sharp objects, such as your razor, nail file, or corkscrew in your checked luggage. Scissors from children's art kits and first aid kits should be packed in your checked luggage. You will not be allowed to bring these items into the cabin with you. 
Pack light:
Pack only the essentials in your carry-on bag (such as medications, a spare shirt, water bottle, and book). The fewer items you carry, the quicker you'll pass through security.

In the Terminal

Expect increased security:
Cars at the curb will be closely monitored. You may see additional law enforcement patrols and canine units. FAA Federal Air Marshals will be flying anonymously on many flights.

Say your good-byes earlier:
Only ticketed passengers will be allowed beyond the security checkpoint. (Exceptions may be made for unaccompanied minors and travelers with special needs; contact your airline.) Be sure to allow more time for increased scrutiny at the security gate, and expect to be asked to power-up your laptop (you may want to put your laptop in a padded case inside your checked luggage to avoid this inconvenience). Consider eliminating as many of your non-essential electronic devices as possible. 

Update: Meeting incoming passengers? Call your airport before you arrange a meeting place!

You will not be allowed through the security gate to meet incoming flights. Only ticketed passengers will be allowed past the gates. Some airports are restricting the baggage claim areas as well. Most airports are limiting car traffic and curbside pick-up at the terminal. You may need to park farther away from the terminal than you're used to parking. 

3 Steps to Less Stressful Travel

Be Comfortable: You will probably be spending more time in the terminal. If you travel frequently, this may be the time to consider joining an airline club that offers a comfortable lounge. A sweater and a neck pillow can make a long wait more comfortable. Using a locker keeps your carry-ons secure while you nap or browse terminal shops (update: some lockers may be temporarily unavailable for security reasons). It's hard to relax when you're hungry—you may want to tuck a water bottle and a few healthy snacks into your bag (nutrition bars are a great choice). 

Be Prepared: Expect everything to take longer than usual. Bring extra reading material for yourself, and extra toys or games for children.

Be Patient: New restrictions, while inconvenient, are there to protect travelers like you. Please don't ask airline employees to be flexible in their enforcement—this situation is difficult for everyone, and our safety's at stake.

The Federal Aviation Administration (http://www.faa.gov)

American (http://www.aa.com)

America West (http://www.americawest.com)

Continental (http://www.continentalairlines.com)

Delta (http://www.delta.com)

Northwest (http://www.nwa.com)

Southwest (http://www.southwest.com) 

TWA (http://www.twa.com) 

United (http://www.ual.com) 

US Airways (http://www.usair.com)