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for inspection. The allowance is up to ten items each not exceeding 100mls. This includes toothpaste, deodorant, hairspray, lipstick and medicines (with special exemption). Forget bottled water or other drinks. Place the really necessary ones in a sealable clear plastic bag (such as a freezer bag), and everything else in the check-in luggage. Have the bag ready each time you pass through security.

You'll be able to take larger bottles (like drinks) on the plane, but only after you have passed through to the departure lounges. Yes, the duty free stores have got you by the short and curlies on this one! Laptops will have to be revealed, and in some cases asked to be switched on. So if starting it up also gives you time to water the lawn, then consider keeping it in standby mode. You'll have plenty of time to switch off all your gadgets and devices prior to take off, which you'll be reminded to do anyway.

Leave your Survival Equipment at home, or pack them in the check-in luggage. Carry as little metal as possible. Don't carry anything that can be construed as dangerous, like a Swiss Army knife, or safety razors. If you must take them, then think first and store them in the bags to be checked in. Even an innocuous thing like a nail clipper on your key ring will be subject to confiscation. It's tough - but that's the rule these days. Many airports are especially hot about this, and there is no point arguing.

Avoid Embarrassment! Before you pass through the body scanner empty your pockets of everything - coins, keys, mobile phone and jewellery into the plastic trays provided. If you want a smooth passage, wear slip-on casual footwear, because you'll be asked to remove them, and don't wear a belt because you'll have to disengage that too. Remove ear-rings and hearing aids as well, because if not, the alarm will go off, and you'll be asked to go back through and start again. There are far too many people who end up struggling attempting to re-tie their shoe laces, or fumbling to reunite their belts with their trousers. They are already frustrated, and some people find it far from edifying.

Still want to travel by air? You're a hardy soul! Here are some extra tips. Keep a pen handy, because forms must be completed prior to landing. These will require you to give passport numbers, dates of issue as well as a declaration that you're not an undesirable person. Always ask for more than one form (the cabin crew will oblige) because the chances are you'll make a mistake

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