Before Packing

•  Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
  • 3.4 ounces or less per container
  • 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
  • 1 bag per passenger
•  Review the prohibited items list for both carry-on and checked baggage.
• If purchasing a baggage lock, be sure to look for those that are TSA recognized.
• Tape a card with your name and contact information on your electronics.

When Packing

• Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)
• Firearms are only allowed in checked baggage and must be unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container and declared to your airline.
• All fireworks contain explosive materials and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage.
• Pack large electronics on top layer of carry-on for screening accessibility.
• Place your 3-1-1 bag with liquids, gels and aerosols in the front pocket of your carry-on for accessibility.
• If traveling with a pet, be sure to bring a leash so carriers can be properly screened.

Before Leaving for the Airport

• • Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport early.
  • Wear easily removable shoes.
  • Passengers with a disability or medical condition may call ahead to the TSA Cares toll free helpline at (855) 787-2227.

Before Entering the Checkpoint

• Eligible passengers look for the TSA Pre✓^® lane for expedited screening at participating airports.
• Have your ID and boarding pass out for inspection.

In Standard Screening Lane

• Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
• Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
• Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
• Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.)
• Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.

As for tips on packing, I am combining my personal experience within the past decade of travel and my search online, below:

1. Start a packing list days or weeks before your departure date. This will ensure that you will not forget to bring any important essential items.
2. Know your airline’s baggage-fee policy by checking your airline’s web site.
3. Be sure to observe the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
4. Take half of the clothes and twice as much money as you think you need.
5. Take only what you can fit in a carry on. Never check your essentials, so you will never have to deal with hassles associated with lost luggage.
6. If you must check luggage, ask them to put “Fragile” sticker on it, ensuring your bags will be put on top of the pile and be first off the plane. Place a special colored ribbon on your suit case to help your suit case to stand out for you and decrease the chance of mistaken luggage being taken.
7. Bring more tops than bottoms so you can mix and match. Tops tend to be lighter and dry faster.
8. Keep in mind that you may wash your clothes on the road.
9. Pack dual-purpose garments (i.e. pants that can turn into shorts or jacket that may be used as a pillow, etc.)
10. Rolling your clothes rather than folding would take up less luggage space.
11. Jackets and sweaters take up a lot of weight and luggage space, so try layering: wear layers and pack in layers. According to TSA, “Pack items in layers, shoes in one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)” so that the security agent screening your bag can get a clear picture of what’s inside. The faster TSA agent can screen your stuff, the faster you’ll get through the security line.
12. Be sure to wear or bring the heaviest clothing you’ll be bringing on the plane. Sometimes a large scarf may also function as light jacket on the plane.
13. Stay away from packing jeans because they absorb dirt and odors, are bulky and take much longer to air dry. Pack cotton and khaki instead.
14. Keep in mind that all cities and countries that I’ve ever visited sell soap, shampoo, toothpaste, socks, and t-shirts. So, don’t sweat it if you forget any of these items because you can always buy substitute.
15. Consider using packing aids such as packing cubes, packing envelopes, or possibly  even compression sacs.
16. Leave your hardcover books at home and use ebook or Kindle instead. I routinely carry hundreds of book with me on all my trips in Kindle format.
17. Scatter cash in different bags/luggages in case any of the bag would be stolen.
18. Be sure to have a tag with your name/address/contact information on it on each bag/luggage.
19. Be sure to bring some cough drops or something to sooth your throat if you’re likely to be affected by the dryness of air travel.
20. Be sure to bring your phone charger and an external charger with you.