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Personal Items: Because of recent changes to airport screening procedures, TSA requires all travelers to pack most liquids, gels and powdered substances. Shampoo, hair gel and makeup must all be packed. Travel-size tolietries that are three ounces (3 oz.) or less, may be carried onboard. Anything larger than three ounces will be discarded by TSA screeners. Also, beverages that are purchased within the security checkpoints will be allowed on planes.
TSA will continue to allow you to bring SMALL amounts of liquid prescription medication, essentail non-prescription medication (eye drops, KY gel, saline solution for example) and life-sustaining liquids {such as bone marrow, blood products and transplant organs).
Nail files, nail clippers, razors, cuticle cutters, and eyelash curlers are all okay to carry onboard. Scissors and knives have to be checked. Film will be damaged if it goes through the screening machine so keep that in your carry-on bag. Lastly, never pack cash and jewelry in your checked luggage.
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Electronic Equipment: Laptops, mobile phones, and PDAs can be carried onboard. I would recommend doing so rather than checking these items. Most airline baggage handlers are not hired for the finesse with which they handle your bags. They are there to load bags quickly and move on to the next flight. Spare your electronics a beating, and bring them onboard. Just remember to pull out your laptop before you go through screening. The screeners insist upon it, and you do not want to slow your fellow passengers down.
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Sporting Goods: If you're going to a conference at a golf resort, chances are you may want to take advantage of some extra time to hit the links. Golf clubs and most sporting goods can be checked, but cannot be carried on the plane.
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Flamnables and Explosives: It goes without saying that flamnables and explosives are prohibited as both carry-ons and checked luggage. However, lighters are permitted if you check them. I usually bring a lighter so if I'm meeting with a client who smokes, I can offer them a light.
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Additional Tips: If you want to prevent TSA from going through your luggage, one thing to keep in mind is not to stack rectangular items, like books, together. On one business trip to the West Coast, my bags were ransacked on each of the three different legs of my trips. A TSA official told me that a stack of books in my luggage appeared as a large cube-like silhouette in the x-ray machine. The object tripped their radar and my bags were checked. Also, try not to overpack your bags. If TSA does go through your bag, then it will be difficult for them to re-pack your luggage afterwards.