The agency is reminding people that they can prevent delays by emptying their pockets of change and removing their shoes before going through security.

Record numbers of travelers are expected to fly this holiday season. The trade group for the major airlines expects 37.9 million travelers during the Christmas-to-New Year's holidays, nearly a 6% increase over last year.

The TSA urged travelers to check their pockets and carry-on bags for prohibited items such as guns and pocket knives before leaving for the airport.

New security procedures that include patdowns to detect explosives remain in effect. They were put in place in September after suicide bombers blew up two Russian airliners.

Some people consider the pat downs invasive and humiliating. The TSA does allow people to request a private screening.

Outer coats, jackets and blazers — which could disguise a bomb — must be removed before walking through metal detectors

People with shoes that could hide a bomb — boots, platform or thick-soled shoes — will be sent to secondary screening even if they don't set off the metal detector. Shoe removal isn't mandatory at airport checkpoints, but the TSA strongly recommends it.

The TSA also recommends that passengers:

• Tell small children they'll have to part with their stuffed animals and blankets before going through checkpoints. Remind older children not to make jokes about bombs.

• Don't wear jewelry, shoes or clothing that can set off metal detectors.

• Don't pack fragile or valuable items in checked baggage because they could get damaged.

• Put undeveloped film in carry-on bags; bomb-screening machines can damage it.

• Leave gifts unwrapped; screeners may have to unwrap them to check their contents.

• Get to the airport early.

Pet Friendly Lodging