Trying to pack for a trip which includes air travel can be very stressful in itself, but with the new safety restrictions and the ever-changing admissibility status of fresh and packaged food items and things can get very confusing.  Here is a guide that would hopefully answer most of your packing-related quandries.

GENERAL TIPS
• For Carry On Baggage: travelers are allowed travel-sized toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit in 1 quart-size clear plastic, ziplock bag.  Liquids, including alcohol purchased after clearing the security checkpoint are permitted aboard the aircraft.
• Prescription medicines must have labels matching the passenger’s name.  Medications, breast milk, baby formula and food are allowed to exceed 3 ounces but must be declared for inspection at the checkpoint. 
• All food must go through the x-ray machine.  Do not bring food to the security checkpoint unwrapped.  All food must be wrapped or in a container.
• Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Allowed for both Checked and Carry On Baggage
• Food Items (baked goods, candy, chocolate, hard cured cheese, canned goods and goods in vacuum packed jars except those containing meat or poultry products, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea
• Textiles and Clothing
• Electronics such as laptops and ipods
• Genuine Software on CD-ROMs, DVDs, Music CDs, Toys and Books
• Camping stoves empty of all fuel and cleaned so that there are no vapors or residue left
• Musical Instruments, if they fit within the size and weight limitations of the airline
• Photographic Equipment and Film

Prohibited from Carry-On, Allowed in Checked Baggage
• Sharp Objects (long knitting needles, scissors, knives, box cutters, ice picks, sheathed swords)
• Sports Equipment (baseball/cricket bats, hockey sticks, martial arts devices, scuba and hunting knives, spear guns, bows and arrows, golf clubs, pool cues, and ski poles)
• Tools (hammers, drills, saws, screwdrivers, etc.)
• Self-Defense Items (stun guns, 4 fl. oz. mace/pepper spray with safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge)
• Alcoholic Beverages: up to five liters of alcohol with alcohol content between 24%-70% (140 proof), packed in a sealable bottle or flask
• Animal Repellants: less than 4 ounces and its active ingredient is less than 2%
• Regulations for the following items vary; it is recommended to check with your airline: BB guns, compressed air guns, paintball markers, ammunition, flare guns

Prohibited Items for both Checked and Carry On Baggage
• Food Items (fruits/vegetables, fresh and processed meats/livestock/poultry, products containing meat products such as bouillon and soup mixes, milk/yogurt/butter, eggs, soft cheeses, rice
• Counterfeit articles are subject to seizure and forfeiture
• Pirated software, DVDs and music CDs
• Explosive  Materials (gun powder, fireworks, flares, grenades, realistic replicas of explosives)
• Flammable Materials (aerosol cans, fuel, gas torches, lighter fluid, matches, torch lighters, flammable paints, paint thinner)
• Chemicals (chlorine, liquid bleach, spillable batteries except those in wheelchairs, spray paint, tear gas)
• Loose Lithium Batteries
• Absinthe
• Dog and Cat Fur
• Endangered Species of wildlife and products made from them
• Drug Paraphernalia unless prescribed for medical conditions such as diabetes
• Narcotics and Drugs with high potential for abuse (Rohypnol, GHB, and Fen-Phen, etc.)
• Merchandise from Embargoed Countries Cuba, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Burma, Angola, Liberia and Sierra Leone (diamonds only) and Sudan

Restricted for both Carry On and Checked Baggage (Licenses/Permits Required)
• Biological Specimens (bacterial cultures, excretions, fungi, arthropods, mollusks, tissues of livestock, birds, plants, viruses, vectors for research, biological or pharmaceutical use)
• Antique Objects made of Ivory (at least 100 years old)
• Firearms
• Game and Hunting Trophies
• Medication that contain potentially addictive drugs such as cough medicines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants and stimulants must be in their original containers, with prescription/written statement from physician; take only a personal supply
• Wild Birds, Land Or Marine Mammals, Reptiles, Fish, Shellfish, Mollusks, Invertebrates, and any part or product of these such as skins, tusks, bones, feathers and eggs
• Soil, Plants and Seeds

Guidelines for Traveling with Pets
• cats must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when examined at port of entry; must have a health certificate issued by country of residence
• dogs must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when examined at port of entry; must have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before trip and must have valid rabies vaccination certificate
• birds might be quarantined and can only be imported through assigned ports of entry 
• rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs may be imported if in good health