Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and he or she will probably whisk you
to the front of the line.
Bring a
current, government-
issued photo ID
such as a driver's
license or passport. Keep your ID at
the ready to show at check-in, the
security checkpoint, and sometimes
even the gate. (Children under 18
need government-issued photo IDs
for international flights.)
Passengers with e-tickets can still
beat the ticket-counter lines by using
airport
electronic kiosks
or even
online check-in
from your home
computer. Online check-in involves
logging on to your airline's website,
accessing your reservation, and print-
ing 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 checkpoint with your pass
and a photo ID. If you're checking
bags or looking to snag an exit-row
seat, you will be able to do so using
most airline kiosks. Even the smaller
airlines are employing the kiosk sys-
tem, but always call your airline to
make sure these alternatives are avail-
able. Curbside check-in is also a good
way to avoid lines, although a few air-
lines still ban curbside check-in; call
before you go.
If you have trouble standing for
long periods of time, tell an airline
employee; the airline will provide a
wheelchair. Speed up security by
not
wearing metal objects
such as big belt
buckles. If you've got metallic body
parts, a note from your doctor can pre-
vent a long chat with the security
screeners. Keep in mind that only
tick-
eted passengers
are allowed past secu-
rity, except for folks escorting children
or passengers with disabilities.
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 are allowed one
carry-on bag, plus a “personal 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 Trans-
portation Security Administration
(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. You can now pur-
chase luggage locks that allow screen-
ers to open and relock a checked bag if
hand-searching is necessary. Look for
Travel Sentry certified locks at luggage
or travel shops and Brookstone stores
(you can buy them online at www.
brookstone.com). These locks,
approved by the TSA, can be opened
by luggage inspectors with a special
code or key. For more information on
the locks, visit www.travelsentry.org. If
you use something other than TSA-
approved locks, your lock will be cut
off your suitcase if a TSA agent needs
to hand-search your luggage.
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:
