The AOL Travel Team

First, let me emphasize that this is a breaking and fast moving story, and as such, the application -- and speed --of new security procedures will inevitably vary from airport to airport.

But in the wake of British authorities' apparent success in foiling a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on numbers orf transatlantic flights, you can expect serious delays at U.S. airports whether you are flying on domestic flights or headed to Europe.

In the U.S., Department of Homeland Security and TSA scrambled to implement new procedures at all airports throughout the U.S.

The new rules: passengers cannot bring any liquids or gels in their carry on bags and/or into airplane cabins. Specifically, this applies to all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. According to the TSA: "Baby formula and medicines must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint. Beverages purchased in the boarding area (beyond the checkpoint) must be consumed before boarding because they will not be permitted on board the aircraft."

At this writing, long lines can be found at most U.S. airports as security personnel are hand inspecting everyone's bag, to make visual checks of contents. In addition, you can expect more passengers to be pulled aside for additional random security checks.

For anyone planning to fly today, or for that matter, after today, you must pack light and unclutter your carry on bags. For the moment, British authorities are banning all carry on bags from airline cabins as well as all electronic items -- ipods, laptops et al. And passengers are being forced to check these items. For the moment, the total ban on electronic items, not to mention a total ban on carry on bags, has not been implemented by U.S. authorities.

Still, during peak travel times (7-9 am) and 4-6pm plan on getting to the airport at least 2 and a half hours before scheduled departure times. for international departures, at least three hours before scheduled departure times.

Most airlines have (or soon will) waive cancellation fees and penalties for those who need to change plans because of this developing situation. however, it is imperative for passengersneed to check with their airlines directly for individual policies and rules that may apply during this time.

For more information, you can always go to the TSA website.

But my short term advice: unless your air travel is deemed essential, you might want to rebook your flights to another day and time.