Clark Howard's Tips

Dec 1, 2005

The Transportation Safety Authority is finally doing away with some of the silly rules it established in the wake of Sept. 11. You won't have little scissors and clippers seized anymore, and there are going to be a number of items that you're allowed to carry.

A list will be added soon to the TSA Web site, tsa.gov, according to reports. So keep checking.

In addition, there will also be a new way of tagging people for additional screening. Clark was at the airport last night and he couldn't come up with any rhyme or reason for it. But let's hope it involves creative safety improvements. The good news is that someone taking over an airline in flight is next to impossible.

Another thing to remember is that airlines are coming up with all kinds of ways to charge extra for baggage. Rumors are spreading that airlines are giving kickbacks to employees who snag people with excess baggage.

The airlines are starved for revenue right now, and they're trying to come up with ways to make extra money. Some of these charges can add up to more than the price of a ticket.

Also, make sure that you're checked in 45 minutes before the flight is scheduled to leave. That includes time spent waiting in line. So, the onus is on you. Kiosk check-ins are a real convenience for this reason.

Consumer advice courtesy of