Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
you opt for a sedan or stretch limo, the
service will cost about $75 to $130,
including gratuity and tax.
GETTING THROUGH
THE AIRPORT
With the federalization of airport secu-
rity, security procedures at U.S. air-
ports are more stable and consistent
than ever. Generally, you'll be fine if
you arrive at the airport
1 hour
before
a domestic flight and
2 hours
before
an international flight. Bring a
cur-
rent, government-issued photo ID
such as a driver's license or passport.
(Children under 18 do not need gov-
ernment-issued photo IDs for domes-
tic flights, but they do for international
flights to most countries.)
In 2003, the TSA phased out
gate
check-in
at all U.S. airports. Passengers
with e-tickets can beat the ticket-
counter lines by using airport
elec-
tronic kiosks
or even
online check-in
from your home computer. Online
check-in involves logging on to your
airlines' website, accessing your reserva-
tion, and printing out your boarding
pass—and the airline may even offer
you bonus miles to do so! If you're
using a kiosk at the airport, bring the
credit card you used to book the ticket
or your frequent-flier card. Print out
your boarding pass from the kiosk and
simply proceed to the security check-
point with your pass and a photo ID.
Curbside check-in
is also a good way
to avoid lines, although a few airlines
still ban curbside check-in; call before
you go.
Speed up security by
not wearing
metal objects
such as big belt buckles
or clanky earrings. If you've got metal-
lic body parts, a note from your doc-
tor can prevent a long chat with the
security screeners. Keep in mind that
only
ticketed passengers
are allowed
past security, except for folks escorting
disabled passengers or children.
Federalization has stabilized
what
you can carry on
and
what you can't.
The general rule is that sharp things
are out, nail clippers are okay, and
food and beverages must be passed
through the X-ray machine—but that
security screeners can't make you
drink from your coffee cup. Bring
food in your carry-on rather than
checking it, as explosive-detection
machines used on checked luggage
have been known to mistake food
(especially chocolate, for some reason)
for bombs. Travelers in the U.S. are
allowed one carry-on bag, plus a “per-
sonal item” such as a purse, briefcase,
or laptop bag. Carry-on hoarders can
stuff all sorts of things into a laptop
bag; as long as it has a laptop in it, it's
still considered a personal item. The
Transportation Security Administra-
tion (TSA) has issued a list of restricted
items; check its website (www.tsa.gov/
public/index.jsp) for details.
Airport screeners may decide that
your checked luggage needs to be
searched by hand. Travel Sentry locks,
approved by the TSA, allow screeners
to open and re-lock a checked bag.
Look for them at luggage or travel
shops and Brookstone stores (visit
www.travelsentry.com for more infor-
mation).
FLYING FOR LESS:
TIPS FOR GETTING
THE BEST AIRFARE
Passengers sharing the same airplane
cabin rarely pay the same fare. Travel-
ers who need to purchase tickets at the
last minute, change their itinerary at a
moment's notice, or fly one-way often
get stuck paying the premium rate.
Here are some ways to keep your air-
fare costs down:
• Passengers who can book their
ticket
long in advance,
who can
stay over Saturday night,
or who
fly midweek
or
at less-trafficked
hours
will usually pay a fraction
of the full fare. If your schedule is
flexible, say so, and ask if you can
secure a cheaper fare by changing
your flight plans.
