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Tighter security and new regulations at airports call for a little extra preparation. When traveling by air, keep in mind the following procedures implemented by the FAA.
- Each passenger is permitted two carry–on bags, though up until recently this was limited to one carry–on bag, and one personal bag (pocketbook or briefcase).
- Curbside check–in is available only for airlines that have implemented special security procedures. Check with your individual airline.
- Automated check–in kiosks are no longer available.
- Passenger screening is more rigorous at all airports. Passengers must present tickets and boarding passes at security checkpoints, boarding gates, and be prepared for random ID checks throughout the airport terminal.
- Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond security checkpoints, except for those with specific medical or parental needs.
- Aircraft and security personnel must submit to heightened inspections.
- All electronic items, such as laptops and cell phones, may be subject to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X–rayed separately.
- Knives of any length or type cannot be taken beyond security checkpoints. Other forbidden items include straight razors, box cutters, metal scissors, ice picks and metal nail files, corkscrews, baseball and softball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles, and hockey sticks. Permissable items include safety razors, tweezers, eyelash curlers, nail clippers, umbrellas and walking canes (once they've been searched for prohibited items that may have been concealed inside them), and syringes with proof of medical need.
- Vehicles near air terminals will now be monitored. Unattended vehicles and bags will be removed.
- The number of uniformed law enforcement and military personnel will be increased, and the Federal Air Marshal program will be reinstated on some flights.
To ease the strain of traveling under tighter security, plan to arrive between two or three hours before domestic (and three to four before international) flights, and, if possible, take public transportation. Also consider the following recommendations:
- The AAA Chicago Motor Club Travel Agency suggests confirming or rebooking your flight by phone. If you wait to do so at the ticket counter, you'll probably have to contend with long lines.
- The AAA–CMC also urges travelers to carry two forms of identification with them at all times, including, of course, a passport when flying abroad. Some experts suggest bringing a passport even for domestic flights.
- In case of long waits, bring a good book to read and some snacks to munch on. Also don't forget to stretch and walk around.
- Follow the lead of flight crews and bring an overnight kit (change of clothes, toiletries) in case you have to stay at the airport or in a hotel overnight. This would be wise even for short trips.
If you have any questions about a specific airport, you can find links to airports around the country at quickaid.com.
