In August, Alex Hardy, a Selma travel agent, took a trip by plane. He booked one airline for the trip to go out of Birmingham and booked another airline for the return home trip.

When Hardy checked in, security told him he had to remove some hair gel projects from his backpack. Similarly, he had to give up a bottle of men’s cologne because there was too much.

“You always need to check your flight information,” he said. “If you don’t you might have to give up something.”

On the return trip home, the other airline confiscated some other groom items of Hardy’s.

He learned a lesson that cost him about $30.

The Christmas and New Year’s holidays see a bump in air travel, meaning some people who haven’t made their way through an airport in a while might want to check the rules.

Lynn Cox, a spokesperson for the Montgomery Regional Airport Authority, says although Montgomery Regional is an “easy going” airport, those holding boarding passes need to check into the counter by 30 minutes prior to departure. That’s why passengers are encouraged to arrive 90 minutes before their flight takes off.

“When you arrive early it leaves plenty of time to get parked, checked in, go through the security checkpoint and get that cup of coffee and a snack without any rush before boarding,” she said.

Montgomery has yet to receive the full body scanners, so passengers won’t encounter that, but there is always that opportunity of being patted down.

“One way to help yourself as you go through security is to plan and prepare to follow TSA rules,” she said. “It’s important to carry your toiletries, whether they are liquids gels and aerosols in three-ounce travel size bottles, in a quart size plastic bag in your carry-on. Also pack your prescriptions, medications and keys that essential to you in your carry-on.”

Birmingham Regional Airport posts information on its website at http://www.bhamintlairport.com/passenger-security.html. The airport also recommends arriving 60 to 90 minutes before departure time.