Following the attempted attack on Christmas Day, America-bound travellers face a flurry of new security checks. Wondering how the new restrictions will affect your flights?  Cheapflights.co.uk has compiled ten travel tips to help you handle the changes and stay on track:

1. Relax. Only passengers travelling to the US will experience increased security checks and delays. All other flights are operating as normal

2. Arrive early. Due to increased security measures, expect delays on US-bound flights. Check your flight status before leaving for the airport and arrive at least two hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure

3. Compact packing. Forget about the handbag freebie - passengers travelling to the US are limited to one piece of carry-on luggage. This restriction applies to handbags, briefcases and laptop cases so pack carefully and ensure your essentials fit into one bag.  Check with your airline - BA, for example, will check size-conforming hand luggage at no extra charge

4. Don’t wrap. If you’re planning a belated Christmas with American friends and family, don’t wrap any gifts you plan to carry on board. You’ll be asked to unwrap these at security.

5. Prepare for the pat-down. New security measures require a pat-down and final bag check of all passengers at the departure gates. Be prepared for this new rule and have your bags open and ready for checking

6. Stick to the aisle seat. In-flight rules will be enforced more than ever, so mind your manners and pay close attention to the flight attendants and cabin crews. Airlines are enforcing the all-passengers-in-seats rule at least one hour before landing, so if you’re prone to loo breaks be sure to choose an aisle seat and get to the bathroom before the seat restrictions go into place

7. Dress in layers. Some airlines are asking passengers to remove anything from their laps during flight – this includes blankets and pillows. Dress in layers so you can keep warm and add or remove items of clothing during your flight

8. Get cozy. New restrictions mean more time at the airport and longer waits. Bring a good book (or two), charge up your computers, iPods and portable DVD players, and get cozy at your gate or in the airport lounge

9. Early bird gets to the gate on time. If you don’t mind waking up before dawn, book the first flight out and enjoy shorter security lines and less traffic to and from the airport

10. Save money on snacks. Despite the rumors going around, you can still bring food and snacks with you onto your flight. Bring snacks from home and avoid the temptation to purchase higher priced items at the airport’s bookstores and restaurants

Rules and security measures are constantly changing as government officials work to ensure your safety. Check the airline and airport websites before your flight for any last-minute changes.