If you seldom travel, you may be surprised with the new regulations set in place the last few years. Security concerns have altered how long you will wait to board a plane, what identification you’ll need, and limit carry-on items. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or this is the first time on a plane, review these policies to make your trip go more smoothly.
Before you even arrive at the airport, you need to do some planning. First, make sure you have proper, valid identification. The Transportation Security Administration requires it for anyone under 18 that is attempting to board an aircraft. A driver’s license or passport is most commonly used, but any current identification issued by a government agency should be accepted. If you don’t have the proper identification, plan on getting tapped out for extra screening, which could delay you fifteen minutes or more.
Also, be aware that if you are traveling outside the country you must have a passport. Previously, if you were traveling to certain countries such as Mexico and Canada you did not need a passport to travel. Now, with security on the forefront of everyone’s mind, don’t expect to leave the country with a passport. Applying for a passport can take as long as twelve weeks, so plan well in advance. If you must have a passport sooner, look into expediting services, which can shave valuable weeks off of your wait.
After you have the proper identification, examine what you plan on carrying on the plane with you. There are numerous carry-on restrictions and seeming contradictions. For example, you may not carry-on a 4 ounce bottle of eye drops, but you can still bring a disposable razor on your trip. Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3 ounces or less and all easily contained in one quart sized bag. Also, beware that you will have to check most sporting equipment, pool cues and ski polls are not allowed on board.
Seasoned travelers know that dressing simply for a flight makes going through security easier. Know that you will be asked to take off coats and shoes so they can be further screened. For this reason, many people make sure to wear socks at the airport, so they can avoid walking barefoot through security. Also be aware that if you carry on a laptop it must be taken out of your carry-on and screened separately.
When planning when to arrive at the airport, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time. Most airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave for a domestic flight. If you are flying internationally or at a time of heightened security, plan on adding a few more hours to that estimation. Also be aware that the time of day will also determine whether it will take you ten minutes to pass through security or over an hour.
Before standing in line at security, make sure you already have your boarding pass. A receipt or online registration is no longer enough, you will need to get a boarding pass from the airline or an electronic kiosk. If you have already checked bags, the airline has already given you one. If you are only carrying on luggage, all you need is a credit card or confirmation number to print out your boarding pass. After you get your boarding pass, also get out your identification. Someone will check these items before allowing you any further in the security process.
Although these new regulations may seem terribly foreign to older travelers, wait times and problems are decreasing as everyone becomes aware of the new regulations. Allow yourself plenty of time to get through security and try to ignore any inconvenience. Although airlines always wish you a safe trip to your destination, the government is now trying to ensure that happens.
