If you're traveling on an airplane this weekend, arrive at the airport early and follow the rules — that will keep delays to a minimum, state and federal officials said.

State Transportation Director Rod Haraga yesterday said public cooperation can ease the pain on what's always one of the biggest travel periods of the year.

"We want our passengers to have a pleasant airport experience," he said. "We need the public's cooperation in doing so."

Here's what you can do to help, officials said:

Parking: If possible, make arrangements to have friends or family drop you off at the airport. If you must drive, go early and look for open parking at the overseas terminal, because the interisland terminal fills up fast. Valet parking, at $20 a day, is also available at the interisland terminal.

Gifts: Leave them unwrapped in your luggage. Wrapped gifts, even in checked baggage, can be opened by airport screeners, causing delays.

Dress: Avoid metal in your clothing and pack coins, keys jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Wear shoes that are easily removed and put back on.

Sundries: Under revised Department of Homeland Security rules, passengers can pack certain liquids, gels or aerosols in their carry-on baggage, as long as the liquids are stored in small, 3-ounce containers packed in a closed plastic bag.

Weapons: Pocket knives, box cutters, propane canisters, fireworks and other potentially dangerous items remain prohibited. Airport screeners collect about 7,000 such items a month.