FAA imposes new luggage limits

Passengers make their way through the airport Monday in Houston, Texas.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration announced new limits Monday on the amount of luggage passengers can carry onto aircraft.

Passengers will be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal article, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. The new rule takes effect immediately.

In addition, passengers must be prepared to present an identification card issued by a local, state or federal government at the boarding gate, along with the boarding pass. In the past, passengers were required to show an ID at the ticket counter, but not at the gate.

Travelers and their luggage may also be subject to additional screening.

Ronald Reagan National Airport implemented the stricter policies when it re-opened last week. The new policies are now being extended to all of the nation's airports, the FAA said.

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In enacting the baggage limit, the FAA is following the guidance of an advisory task force set up following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Experts said limiting carry-on baggage will reduce the time needed to screen baggage, giving screeners more time to examine bags and passengers.

The FAA released the following travel tips "to help air travelers accommodate and assist" the heightened security measures:

Allow extra time

-- The heightened measures require more time to properly screen travelers. Travelers should contact their airline to find out how early they should arrive at the airport.

-- Take public transportation to the airport if possible. Parking and curbside access are likely to be controlled and limited.

-- Curbside check-in is available on an airline-by-airline basis. Travelers should contact their airline to see if it is in place at their airport.

Check-in

-- A government-issued ID (federal, state or local) is required. Travelers may be asked to show this ID at subsequent points, such as at the gate, along with their boarding passes.

-- Automated check-in kiosks are no longer available.

-- E-ticket travelers should check with their airline to make sure they have proper documentation. Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation, may be required.

Screener checkpoints

-- Only ticketed passengers will be allowed beyond the screener checkpoints, except for those with specific medical or parental needs.

-- Each traveler will be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal bag, such as a purse or briefcase.

-- All electronic items, such as laptops and cell phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X-rayed separately.

-- Travelers should limit the metal objects they wear.

-- Travelers should remove all metal objects before going through the metal detectors to the screening process easier.

Items prohibited from aircraft cabins

The following items must be placed in or transported as checked baggage or risk confiscation.

-- Knives of any length, composition or description.

-- Cutting instruments of any kind and composition, including carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades), any device with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors and metal nail files.

-- Corkscrews

-- Baseball/softball bats

-- Golf clubs

-- Pool cues

-- Ski poles

-- Hockey sticks

-- When in doubt, transport item in checked baggage

Permitted items

-- Walking canes and umbrellas (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed)

-- Nail clippers

-- Safety razors (including disposable razors)

-- Syringes (with documented proof of medical need)

-- Tweezers

-- Eye lash curlers

At the gate

-- Travelers must be prepared to present a valid photo identification card along with their boarding pass.

-- Travelers and their bags may be subjected to additional screening.

At all times

-- Control all bags and personal items.

-- Do not bring anything onboard for another person.

-- Report any unattended items in the airport or aircraft to the nearest airport or airline personnel.