Before the Airport

• Make sure you have
  
  - Plane ticket or a print out of your e-ticket receipt
  - Government-issued photo ID
  - Passport (for international travelers)
   
• Pack Smart
  
  Check ahead of time with your airline to determine the airline's baggage policy, including size and weight limitations.
  Each airline has different limitations on size and weight.
  Do not pack or bring prohibited potentially hazardous items to the airport. Some items are seemingly harmless but could be dangerous. Examples are pocketknives, scissors, nail files, screw drivers, hammers, etc. These items may be included with your checked baggage. Any kind of aerosol spray cleaner or polishes, flammable fluids or solid items, any type of compressed gases, any type of explosives are illegal to carry on board or check in your luggage. For complete list of such items, visit www.tsatraveltips.us website.
  
  Avoid over-packing. Your articles may spill out if your bag is opened for inspection.
  
  Leave gifts unwrapped. Wrapped items may need to be opened for inspection.
  
  Put all underdeveloped films or cameras with loaded films in your carryon baggage. Click here to read more...
  
  Place identification tags on all of your baggage and on your "laptop" too if you carry one.
  
  Remember, carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag that will fit under the seat or in the over head compartment, plus one personal item. Personal items include laptop computers, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases.
   
• Dress Smart
  
  You can dress to avoid problems or delays at the checkpoint by not wearing   anything that contains metal. Metal items may set off alarm on the metal detector. If you set off the alarm, you may be required to undergo a secondary screening.
   
  Avoid metal items (keys, loose change. lighters, mobile phones, pagers, and PDAs) in your pockets, instead place them in your carry-on baggage until you clear security.
   
  Try to wear clothing that are loose and comfortable for traveling. Cardigan sweaters or button down clothes are easier to take off and on in the event a pat-down inspection is required. Your outer wear (coat & jacket) are usually required to go through the screening.

At the Airport

• Put metal items in your carry-on bag. This includes jewelry, keys, loose change. lighters, mobile phones, pagers, and PDAs.
   
• Take out your laptop computer. Place it in a bin, separate from its carrying case.
   
• Take off your outer coat. Place it in the bin.
• Take off your shoes and place it in the bin.

Parking

• Airports have daily, hourly, short term and long term parking. You should check in advance with the airport you are departing from.

General Information for Travelers

• If your airport is in the metropolitan area, you should arrive at least 1.5 - 2 hours before the departure time to get through  ticketing and security.
• Passengers should call their airline or check with the airline website for the most current flight information.
• Passengers with tickets will be allowed through the security checkpoint. Any passenger with special need should make special arrangements in advance with the airline.
• All unattended bags will be confiscated by the airport authorities.

Baggage

Once you check in your luggage at the check in counter, it will go through conveyor belts and baggage carts to your flight. Once the plane is airborne, your baggage may move around the cargo space especially when the plane hits a rough air space. Make sure your luggage is not over packed and closed/locked tightly. Any fragile items should be wrapped well in order to avoid breakage.

Passengers with Disabilities

The Air Carrier Access Act and the Department of Transportation (DOT) rule sets out procedures to give these individuals the same quality service for their trip. Some major provisions you should be familiar with:
Airline reservation centers and terminals are required to have TDD telephone devices for persons needing a hearing device.
A person with disabilities may not be refused transportation on the basis of their needs. Airlines must provide assistance to connecting, departing and arriving passengers. In some small aircraft may not be able to assist passengers with severe mobility impairments (passenger should check with their aircraft in advance).
 

Return to Plane Tickets