In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the airline industry began implementing sweeping security measures in airports. Expect a lengthy check-in process and extensive delays. Although regulations vary from airline to airline, you can expedite the process by taking the following steps:
- Arrive early. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Some airlines require that you report three hours before an international flight, so be sure to check before each trip.
- Try not to drive your car to the airport. Parking and curbside access to the terminal may be limited. Call ahead and check.
- Don't count on curbside check-in. Some airlines and airports have stopped curbside check-in altogether, whereas others offer it on a limited basis and only for domestic flights. For most international flights on any airline (even between the USA and Canada), curbside check-in is NOT available. For up-to-date information on specific regulations and implementations, check with the individual airline.
- Be sure to carry plenty of documentation. A government-issued photo ID (federal, state, or local) is now required. Good examples include a passport, a driver's license, a department of motor vehicles photo ID for non-drivers, etc. You may need to show this at various checkpoints. With an e-ticket, you will be required to have with you printed confirmation of purchase, and perhaps even the credit card with which you bought your ticket (see "All about E-Ticketing," below). This varies from airline to airline, so call ahead to make sure you have the proper documentation. And be sure that your ID is up-to-date: an expired driver's license, for example, may keep you from boarding the plane altogether. Be sure that the name on your photo ID matches that on your ticket. Even using a middle name or initial on one and not on the other can lead to problems at the ticket counter or curb luggage check in, not to mention passing through security itself.
- Know what you can carry on--and what you can't. Travelers in the United States are now limited to one carry-on bag, plus one personal bag (such as a purse, laptop, small backpack or a briefcase). The FAA has also issued a list of newly restricted carry-on items; see www.faa.gov.
- Prepare to be searched. Expect spot-checks. Electronic items, such as a laptop or a cell phone, should be readied and out of their carrying cases when you approach the security point for additional screening. You may be asked to turn on your laptop or other electronic device to show that it is really operating. Limit the metal items you wear on your person.
- It's no joke. When a check-in agent asks if someone other than you packed your bag, don't decide that this is the time to be funny. The agents will not hesitate to sound an alarm.
- No ticket, no gate access. Only ticketed passengers will be allowed beyond the screener checkpoints, except for those people with specific medical or parental needs. (For the latter, tel. the airline beforehand to find out what it wants in the way of documenting this need, then bring that to the airport well ahead of check-in time.)