Terrorism: Plane, Train, Public Transit: Do you Feel Safe?

History and our perception of the world changed dramatically with the 9-11 attacks. Today's travel is fraught with fear, delays, and racial profiling as the authorities try to prevent a reoccurrence.

Most travel and transport facilities - including mass transit - have added special safeguards meant to combat terrorism:

* Staff have received extra security training.

* Sophisticated scanning equipment has been installed.

* The public has been 'educated' via media reports.

* Regulations have been expanded regarding prohibited items in luggage.

* Special air marshalls fly incognito on many flights.

* An 'alert status' system has been put in place in some countries.

* Law enforcement agencies are sharing more of their resources.

The ultimate objective is your safety and security. Has it worked? Do you really feel safer?

Whether you answered 'yes' or 'no', you must comply with current regulations when you travel or commute.

Different countries and transportation carriers have varying requirements. You won't find a single master list. However, searching wisely on the internet will provide you with the information you need before you plan your next trip.

In the USA, try tsa.gov and search for 'restricted items' or 'prohibited items'.

In Canada, visit tc.gc.ca, performing the same searches.

For other countries and carriers, use your favorite search engine and try some of the following searches:

* Germany 'restricted items' air

* Mexico 'restricted items' air

* Europe 'restricted items' rail

* Greyhound 'restricted items'

and so forth. Notice that 'restricted items' should be enclosed in quotation marks to produce the best results. (Because of the way various websites display articles, quotation marks have not been used here.)

Your search efforts should produce appropriate websites in the first search results page of any major search engine.

A partial list of items you should avoid in carry-on luggage would include:

* Most metal knives

* Large metal scissors

* Fuel of any kind

* Lighters and lighter fluid

* Weapons and ammunition

* Anything that looks like a weapon

* Starting pistols

* Liquid bleach

* Aerosol products

* Spray paint

Some items that are not permitted in carry-on luggage are allowed in checked suitcases.

Do your research - make sure you have the required documents - and pack carefully.

Now lose the fear, find your confidence, and enjoy your next trip!

Kathy Steinemann is a Canadian who writes for 111 Travel Directory and Adult Escapes as well as several other travel-related websites.