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Taking Flight |
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What you need to know about air travel
By Eric Richmond
In the wake of last month's attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Federal government closed down the airports for several days and promised to make things safer. Among the immediate changes when the airports reopened: more security personnel; no curbside baggage check-in; and no metal knives at airport restaurants or on the planes themselves.
In the weeks since Sept 11th, it's clear that air travel in the US has changed forever. On almost every route of travel, there are fewer passengers and fewer flights. That's a shame, because on almost every level, flying is safer than ever before. While airport security is vastly improved, it's not consistent across the country. All airports must adhere to the minimum-security guidelines established by the FAA, but local conditions may dictate more stringent measures. At the airport in White Plains, NY, every car that enters airport property is stopped and all persons in the car, whether traveling or not, must show a picture ID. That's not the case at many US airports where there are simply too many cars to search.
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Agents at the ticket counter are now required to see a picture ID and they have new security questions to ask. If you're a member of any airline clubs, and you're used to storing your bags while you relax, that's changed as well. Any bags left unattended in the clubs are subject to search and seizure. Some airports have even resumed curbside baggage check-in. At virtually every airport, you can expect to show a picture ID when you pick up your ticket, when you go through the metal detectors to the gate, and when you give your boarding pass to the gate agent just prior to getting on your flight.
The key to traveling these days is to be relaxed and prepared to be inconvenienced. Here are some things you can do to make your flight more enjoyable.
Before you go to the airport
- Check the status of your flight. With so many airlines flying at less than normal capacity, there's a chance your flight is going to be cancelled. If your airline offers flight notification via pager or cell phone, subscribe to the service when you make your travel arrangements. If you've used a travel agency, they should be able to alert you to changes in your itinerary and make alternate arrangements for you if necessary.
- Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. The airlines say to allow two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. If you want to play it safe, allow an additional hour beyond the airline's recommendations to allow for car searches and new parking restrictions.
- Bring proper identification and be prepared to present it at every checkpoint
- Government issued photo ID and
- Proof of travel for the same day - either a boarding pass or paper ticket; printed confirmation for an e-ticket (including ticket number); or an airline- or agency-generated itinerary confirming an e-ticket (including ticket number)
- For international travel, you will need valid travel documents
Once you arrive at the airport
- Terminal parking has been restricted to designated areas only. Unattended vehicles are banned near the terminals and will be towed. If you drop someone off at the curb, don't plan a long goodbye. Airport traffic control personnel won't let you hang around.
- Ensure that you have a valid, approved photo ID handy. Remember, you'll have to show it several times before you finally get onto the plane.
- Be prepared for long lines at the ticket counters. Many more passengers are checking their bags than before, and lines have increased dramatically. Hint: Depending on the airline and the airport you're departing from, you could spend several hours waiting to get to the ticket counter. If you have the ability to upgrade to first class, do it. Most airlines have separate check in counters for first class passengers and they don't have nearly the same lines that the coach check-in agents do.
- Only passengers or adult escorts of ticketed unaccompanied minors will be allowed beyond security checkpoints. Have your ID available and be ready to show it when you get to the checkpoint.
- Be prepared for long lines at baggage screening areas. Airport security has heightened vigilance of unattended bags and increased aircraft and passenger/carry-on inspections.
When you get to the terminal
- Go directly to the gate if all of the following are true:
- You meet the new F.A.A. mandated carry-on baggage guidelines. F.A.A. guidelines limit carry-on baggage to one bag plus one personal item. A personal item is defined as one of the following: purse; briefcase; laptop; or backpack. Passengers exceeding the carry-on limit will not be allowed to pass through the security checkpoint.
- You are in possession of a ticket or ticket confirmation for current date travel. A ticket or ticket confirmation includes a paper ticket, boarding pass, boarding pass verification, travel agency or airline generated itinerary with ticket number, airline e-mail verification or reservation with ticket number, or airline/airport issued entrance document
- You won't find it at every airport, but if your airport offers it, curbside check-in or the airport ticket counter should be used when:
- You have baggage that must be checked and,
- You have in your possession a confirmed ticket or e-ticket
- Customers who need to purchase a ticket or make ticket changes must proceed to the airport ticket counter
Travel isn't going to be the same - not anytime soon, and maybe never. But if you plan ahead, you'll be better prepared for the inconveniences and the trip will be more enjoyable.
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