If it's over the river and over the woods to grandmother's house you go this Christmas, remember to get to the airport early.

About 90 minutes to two hours would do, here in Bismarck.

The folks at United Express and Northwest Airlines said they're booked solid the next couple of weeks, which means lines at the security checkpoints could be long if you're running late. All passengers must be checked in 30 minutes prior to flight departure.

To ease your passage through the checkpoints, take care in packing your bags. Dean Jorgensen, United Express manager, said not to wrap presents you might be taking with you. If a wrapped gift sets off an alarm, security personnel will need to remove the paper to check it out.

The Transportation Security Administration also recommends you place all metal items in a carry-on bag while waiting in line, take laptop computers out of their cases and remove your coat.

Put ID tags in and on all baggage, double-check the contents of your luggage and don't over-pack any bags. Tom Webster, at the Northwest counter, said there's a 50-pound limit on checked bags. Each passenger may check two of them.

There's a new policy regarding cameras and film, too. Since the devices used to screen checked baggage can damage undeveloped film, the TSA has expanded its carry-on luggage policy to allow for a bag for photographic equipment. That bag can be taken onboard in addition to another carry-on bag and a personal item, such as a laptop, purse or small backpack.

For more information on what you can and can't take on an airplane, or for other traveling information, click on http://www.tsatraveltips.us.

(Reach Tony Spilde at 250-8260 or tspilde@ndonline.com.)