Travel Updates
by Tracy Ohlinger
Travelers should expect significant changes in air travel such as check-in
policies, carry-on restrictions and airport security rules. Here a some
changes that may impact your traveling plans.
Check In
Early Arrival: Passengers arrive arrive to the airport early to avoid the
possibility of missing your flight. Arrive at the airport at least two
hours before departure for domestic flights (three hours for international
flights), and expect delays with new security procedures. Security checks
are expected at check-in for departing flights. All airlines recommend
confirming your flight's status before heading to the airport. Remember to
bring along either your paper ticket or e-ticket receipt; ticket agents will
then issue boarding passes at the ticket counter which will allow passengers
to proceed through security and to the gates. If traveling with an e-ticket,
bring a printout of your ticket with you or ask the issuing agent for a
paper ticket. Passengers who have e-tickets without receipts must check in
at the ticket counter. Passengers must have a photo identification that
matches the name on their ticket. Contact the airline or airport of
departure for current check-in procedures, baggage handling information and
ticket acceptance and identification policies.
Checking Luggage: Curbside and off-airport site check-in is still prohibited
at some airports; however, the FAA has resumed curbside baggage check-in at
selected airports for airlines that have met new FAA requirements.
Passengers need to contact their airlines to learn which policy is in effect
at the airport for their itinerary. If curbside check-in is unavailable, all
bags must be brought to the check-in counter when you arrive at the airport.
In either case, you may still utilize off-airport sites to obtain boarding
passes and seat assignments. Unattended bags are subject to on-the-spot
searches.
Your Carry-On Bags: Passengers will be required to follow their airline's
baggage policies.
Pack Light: Pack only the essentials in your carry-on bag (such as
medications, a spare shirt, water bottle, and book). The fewer items you
carry, the quicker you will pass through security.
Sharp Objects: The FAA restricts items from carry-on and checked baggage.
Any of the following items may be confiscated at security check points:
- Knives/blades of any kind are prohibited from carry-on baggage (including
scissors and some personal care items)
- Mace, tear gas, or irritants including items used for self-defense
- Aerosols containing flammable ingredients (hair spray, deodorant,
repellents)
- Any flammable liquid (gas, butane, lighter fluid), and any refillable or
self-contained lighters or butane cylinders
- "Wet" batteries (any battery containing acid) but dry-cell batteries are
accepted
- Fireworks or flares of any kind
- Safety "strike anywhere" matches
- Paints, including thinners and cleaners
- Corrosive, acidic, poisonous, infectious and radioactive materials in any
form
Any items perceived as a danger by security personnel may be confiscated or
may require special handling. Items required by passengers with special
needs (syringes, medical equipment, assistance devices) should be
accompanied by authorizing documentation from the medial care provider or
other issuer, and passengers should be prepared to explain the need for
those items in detail at check-in.
Place any sharp objects, such as your razor, nail file, or corkscrew in your
checked luggage. Scissors of any sort should be packed in your checked
baggage. You will not be allowed to bring these items into the cabin with
you. Airlines will no longer provide steak knives for on-board food service.
In the Terminal
Expect Increased Security: Cars at the curb will be closely monitored. You
may see additional law enforcement patrols (some will be uniformed officers)
and FAA canine team units patrolling the airport. FAA Federal Air Marshals
will be flying anonymously on many flights. Federal Air Marshals are FAA
civil aviation security specialist who are specially trained and armed for
deployment on anti-hijacking missions. The FAA will not reveal the number of
identities of the marshals, and airport staff are subject to increased
surveillance and random identity checks. A renewed sky marshal program is in
place, and armed law enforcement officials are on planes. The DOT is working
with other government agencies to see if other highly trained agents may be
deployed to augment the Federal Air Marshals force.
Say Your Good-Byes Early: Only ticketed passengers will be allowed beyond
the security checkpoint except parents who need to meet unaccompanied
minors, disabled persons and persons with special needs who need to be
accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians and for medical personnel
who need to respond to medical emergency beyond check points. Contact your
airline for specific information. Non-ticketed individuals are not allowed
past security checkpoints, are barred from airline gate areas and may be
prohibited from entering any terminal area. Be sure to allow more time for
scrutiny at the security gate, and expect to be asked to power-up your
laptop if you are traveling with one. Consider limiting as many of your
non-essential electronic devices as possible.
Meet Incoming Flights at the Baggage Claim: You will not be allowed through
the security gate to meet incoming flights. Only ticketed passengers will be
allowed past the gates.
A Few Tips for a Less Stressful Travel:
- Be Comfortable: You may be spending more time at the terminal and if you
travel often, you may consider joining an airline club that offers a lounge.
Try renting a locker while waiting, taking naps or strolling the terminal
shops. Consider taking a neck pillow may make a long wait comfortable. Bring
a water bottle and a few snacks.
- Be Prepared: For children, bring toys and small games such as cards to
help time fly. Bring extra reading material, and expect extra delays that
may take longer than usual.
- Be Patient: This is important! With the new restrictions, regulations and
policies, things may become inconvenient. Remember that these extra
precautions have been put in place to protect you, the traveler.
As a reminder, passengers should call their airline for specific flight
times and information. For airline phone numbers Click Here.
Click Here for the FAA's Smart Guide.
Click here for airport links.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration has implemented several
new security measures for airline passengers following the terrorist attacks
on our country September 11.
Contact the FAA:
The FAA has designed a way for you to communicate your comments, concerns
and suggestions about air travel. Here is how you can contact the FAA:
By email
By fax: 202-267-5091
By telephone: 1-866-289-9673 (staffed Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. until 5:00p.m.
Eastern Time)
If at all possible, please use email or fax.
To check for a listing of US airports that have been
determined to meet current FAA aviation security requirements, Click Here.
Click on this link to check for a listing of FAA Foreign Airport Status:
http://www.faa.gov/ats/ata/airport_cert/foreignairport.html
Updates:
The Reagan Washington National Airport will reopen Thursday, October 4,
2001. Passengers at this time will be limited to one carry-on bag and one
personal item (a purse or briefcase).
According to a report in USA Today, US airlines are slowly reinstating some
self- service check-in services. For example, American is now using check-in
machines in Chicago. Some airlines, such as Northwest and Alaska Airlines
have resume internet check-in services.
You can find the latest information by consulting the Department of State
Consular Information Sheets on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov as
well as the web sites of our embassies and consulates, which can be accessed
through this same site. American citizens may hear recorded information by
calling the Department of
State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touchtone phone, or
receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their
fax machines.
About the Author:
Tracy lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Kevin and their son, Branden. She has been planning travel vacations for friends and family for many years. She would like to plan your future trip for you. Besides having her travel business, she works in physical therapy as a substitute assistant. Most times, she is busy in the garden and spending time with the family.Tracy's Travel Email Tracy for your travel needs at oaol@earthlink.net
Read about Boldt Castle Here
Read about Sandbridge Here.
Why not Fly FREE!
Click Here! Simple and highly effective guide how to accumulate FREE airline tickets, written by a travel agency owner.
|
Entertainment 
