Traveling on an airplane can be an intimidating prospect if you’ve never been before, or if it has been some time since your last trip. With added security regulations, and many airlines tightening down on how they handle carry-on and checked baggage, traveling on an airplane today is significantly more complex than it was years ago. Still, with a few simple rules of thumb, and some basic inquiries to your airline or airport, you can make sure that the next time you are traveling on an airplane you have the best possible time.

First of all, if you’re traveling on an airplane that is either departing from or arriving in the United States, you’ll need to make sure any items you have on you or in your carry-on luggage are allowed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has a comprehensive list of prohibited items, and you should be sure to check it immediately before you depart. If you do end up having a prohibited item on you at the gate, it will be confiscated, and you cannot be sure of getting it back, so you will want to make sure your bags, pockets, and jackets are clear of any items you can’t have.

Many common items that are prohibited by the TSA when traveling on an airplane may not seem like common sense items to be disallowed. Sharp items like swords, knives, scissors, box cutters, and razor blades are prohibited. An exception is made for safety razors, as well as for knives with rounded ends or those made of plastic. A wide range of sporting goods items are also disallowed as carry-on when traveling on an airplane, including pool cues, baseball bats, golf clubs, and ski poles. All guns and firearms, as well as flares and gunpowder, are also disallowed as carry-on. Some airlines may allow these items to be checked as baggage, but you should check with the airline in advance.

Many tools are also prohibited when traveling on an airplane, including crowbars, hammers, and saws. Screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and other tools that are less than seven inches (18 cm) in length are allowed, but any that are longer are not allowed. All weapons and flammable items, with the exception of some common lighters, are also prohibited. Lastly, non-flammable liquids, such as shampoos or shaving creams, are allowed only in containers of 3 ounces (85 g) or less, anything larger will generally be confiscated.

Once you make it through the security check-point with your baggage, usually after removing your shoes, jewelry, coats, and metal items to pass through a screener, you will be able to board the plane. From this point on, traveling on an airplane becomes quite easy, as every step will be carefully spelled out for you. Once you’ve boarded, and before the plane takes off, the flight attendants will give a run down of safety protocol on the plane. Pay attention to this instruction, for although it most likely will not be needed, in the event of an emergency you will be glad to know what steps to take to ensure your safety.