By Harriet Baskas, Lynn Woods, Reuters, and Expedia.com Staff

New security procedures and restrictions established to ensure airline-passenger safety mean that your journey begins long before you board the plane. You'll need to give yourself extra time to get to the airport, and through it. Our step-by-step guide will help you navigate the passage more smoothly.

When to arrive at the airport
Most airlines are now asking travelers to begin the check-in process a minimum of 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow for tighter security procedures.

Airport parking
New FAA security measures, coupled with additional restrictions in place at many major airports, have reduced parking options at airports across the country. Since on-airport parking may be in short supply, try to take advantage of public transportation or find other alternatives to driving to the airport. If you must drive, park in off-airport lots.

Checking in
You need to show government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or a passport, during check-in and prior to boarding. Generally, minors do not need a photo ID. The adult dropping off the child is required to show ID and fill out a form. A copy of that form is sent with the child, and the gate agent at the other end verifies the information against the ID of the person picking up the child.

Curbside check-in: The country's major airlines have, for the most part, fully reinstated curbside check-in. However, it's a good idea to call before your trip—especially if you are flying overseas—since airline policies still vary.

Airline counter check-in: Airport security checkpoints and airline check-in locations require that you present proof of current-date travel: A printed Expedia.com e-ticket receipt or Expedia.com itinerary, a boarding pass, or a paper ticket will work.

Automated check-in: Most airlines will once again allow you to check-in online or at an automated kiosk. If you use those services, be sure to have your ticket documentation and photo identification handy to show at the security checkpoint and airline gate.

What to do if you have an e-ticket
E-tickets are still just as valid as paper tickets, and with the proper documentation you can proceed straight to your gate.

If you have an Expedia.com e-ticket, print a copy of both your itinerary and your e-ticket receipt to present at airport security checkpoints and airline check-in locations.

For information on how to print your e-ticket documentation, see What to do if you have an e-ticket.

Security checkpoints
Under the new rules, you may only go past a security checkpoint and on to an airline gate if you have proof of a reservation to fly the same day.

Due to more rigorous scrutiny at checkpoints, the FAA advises you to limit the amount of metal you wear, and to remove objects such as jewelry, car keys, and coins before you pass though the metal detector. All electronic items, such as laptops and cell phones, are subject to additional inspection. You may be asked, for example, to remove your laptop from its travel case and to turn it on.

Also keep in mind that beyond the security checkpoint, you and your bags may be inspected again prior to boarding the plane.

Carry-on restrictions
The FAA has limited you to one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a briefcase, pocketbook, or purse. The restriction is meant to speed up lines at security checkpoints and to give screeners more time to check bags and passengers thoroughly.

Items acceptable to carry on: Walking canes, nail clippers, safety razors (including disposable razors), tweezers, umbrellas, and eyelash curlers. Needles or syringes for medicinal purposes are permitted, but must have the manufacturer's and/or pharmaceutical label attached.

Items unacceptable to carry on: Knives of any kind, cutting instruments of any kind and composition (including box cutters, straight razors, elongated scissors, etc.), corkscrews, baseball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles, and hockey sticks.

If you are in doubt about an item, put the item in checked baggage.

Airline meal service
You can no longer take it for granted that you'll get a meal on the plane—even if you are traveling in first class or on flights longer than 2 hours. If you think you'll be hungry on your flight, it's probably a good idea to pack a sandwich—or pick up some take-out food at an airport eatery.

Luggage smarts
Here's a checklist of luggage loss-prevention tips, plus advice for dealing with delayed bags:

• Attach identification to each and every checked and carry-on item, even something like a coat that you may put into an overhead bin and later forget.
• Inside each bag insert a copy of your itinerary along with contact information for you at your destination. Also, remove old claim check tags that were on your bags from previous trips.
• Since so many bags look alike, fasten something to yours that will make it unique and easy to identify at a glance.
• If you're traveling with someone else, consider dividing your clothes into separate bags so you'll have something to wear at your destination should one of the bags get delayed.
• Make yourself a note about exactly what type of bags you have, their manufacturers, and any distinguishing characteristics. Having precise information will be helpful in case you have to report an item lost.

If your bag should fail to come out at baggage claim at your destination, don't leave the airport without first going to the airline's baggage claim office to file a report. Make sure to get a phone number to call to follow up, and a tracking number you can use to identify your particular case if you need to call to check on its status. Many airlines now have automated phone follow-up systems that require you enter your claim number in order to obtain an update.