The answers to the Top Travel Questions
ID and documentation requirements
Domestic travel - For travel within the 50 United States only.
For domestic flights - all passengers 18 and older are required to present valid and unexpired government-issued photo identification. (federal, state or local). For example: driver's license or passport. All customers must carry government-issued identification with them at all times and may be asked to show identification during boarding. The name that appears on your ticket must match your picture ID.
In the absence of government-issued photo identification, two forms of identification are required. One must be government issued. Example: Social security card and credit card.
Customers without proper identification may be subject to additional security
screening procedures.
International travel - Including travel to/from Mexico, Canada, Caribbean, Costa Rica, U.S. Virgin Islands and San Juan
We recommend a passport for all international travel. Requirements for documentation vary based on the countries you are planning to visit. Beginning January 1, 2007 you must have a passport for cruise travel.
In most cases, you will need a valid passport when leaving your country of residence. Please remember to sign your passport. Some countries require you to have a visa for entry. Note: U.S. citizens require a valid visa for travel to Australia, Brazil, China and Vietnam.
Airport Check-in information
To facilitate an on-time departure, we recommend that you allow ample time for check-in.
For travel within the U.S. we recommend arriving 60 minutes before your flight if you are not checking bags and 90 minutes before your flight if you are checking bags.
For international travel we recommend arriving 2 hours before your flight. Larger airports require 2-3 hours prior to flight.
Domestic travel and international baggage information
For travel you may check two bags free of charge.
The maximum size of each checked bag is 62 inches/158cm (length + width +
height).
The maximum weight per checked bag is 50 pounds/23kg each.
Carry-on baggage information
For travel you may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer.
A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin.
Carry-on bag dimensions should not be more than 9" x 14" x 22" (length+ width+ height) or 45 linear inches (the length, height and width added together).
Security Checkpoints
Before the Airport
Do not pack or bring Prohibited items to the airport.
Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only.
Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal.
Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels.
Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock.
Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport.
Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.
Agency Adjusts Liquid Ban, Aviation Threat Level Remains High
Effective Tuesday, September 26, TSA Is Adjusting The Ban On Liquids, Aerosols And Gels
There are two major changes:
1. Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
2. After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.
At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
Liquids in containers of 3 ounces or less may be carried in your carry-on bag so long as they are placed in a clear, one-quart plastic bag.
In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening.
It is unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel policy will be made in the near future.
This security regimen applies to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non-U.S. airports.
For more details on how these measures affect you read our questions and answers on the new measures. Security Measure Questions and Answers
Travel Tips To Make Your Screening Experience Hassle-free
The secret to getting through security smoothly is to de-clutter your carry-on bag. This lets our Transportation Security Officers get a clear, uncomplicated X-ray image of your carry-on.
When possible, keep packing liquids in checked baggage. You will get through security faster.
Limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.
Items purchased in the secure boarding area are for use on the immediate flight. If you must leave the secure boarding area and re-enter through the screening checkpoint, items exceeding 3 ounces that are not in the zip-top bag will again be prohibited.
The ban on liquids, aerosols and gels was implemented on August 10 after a terrorist plot was foiled. Since then, experts from around the government, including the FBI and our national labs have analyzed the information we now have and have conducted extensive explosives testing to get a better understanding of this specific threat. These changes are intended to enhance security and balance human needs because we have a better understanding of the threat and security risks associated with liquids, aerosols and gels.
In addition, TSA will be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment – more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification, deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal, and screening by observation techniques.
At the Airport
Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display these documents more than once.
Place the following itiems IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
- Mobile phones
- Keys
- Loose change
- Metal hair decorations
- Large belt buckles
- Money clips
- Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.
- Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets and blazers.
Meal Service
Most flights under 2 hours serve soft drinks and Cocktail Snacks. Some flights over 2 hours offer meal service available for purchase. |
