Keep airport stress grounded

The Associated Press has these strategies from travel experts:

Packing
In case your checked luggage is lost in the confusion, label your bags well, with name, business address and phone on the outside, and an itinerary and contact information packed inside, on top. The advice comes from Susan Foster, author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler.

Rather than throwing away banned items, take a checkable bag big enough to accommodate items you can't take on board. Business travelers "must carry essential tools with them," Foster said, but be prepared in case a ban on all carry-on luggage is suddenly imposed domestically, the way it was in England. Leave room in your checkable luggage for that stack of reports. Consider faxing, e-mailing or FedExing copies of important documents ahead to your destination.

Personal care
"Airplane air is as dry as the Sahara," said Linda Wells, editor-in-chief of Allure magazine. But new rules ban moisturizer and similar items from carry-ons. So put on heavier-than-usual moisturizer before you leave home, with either a moisturizing self-tanner or tinted moisturizer on top. Wells also advises travellers to wear as little makeup as possible. She says what's worse than not having your makeup with you is having it smear all over your face and you not being able to fix it. Other cosmetics that will last include waterproof mascara, and lip and cheek stain.

Traveling with children
Prepare kids for long lines and stringent security. "Tell the kids, 'This is what we have to do to make sure everyone is safe,"' said Eileen Ogintz, a syndicated columnist who offers advice on family travel on her website. Explain to toddlers "why they need to put their blankie or teddy on the belt," she added. Give a lollipop or other small reward for cooperation. Check kids' backpacks for toy guns, plastic swords and the like. If your kids are flying unaccompanied, make sure they understand the new rules.