Step-by-step Airport Guide

The elevation of the Homeland Security Alert status level to "orange" means travelers can expect some delays during their passage through the airport.

Delays are expected to be minor, but to help ease your way from the parking lot to your seat on the plane, we've compiled the latest news on airport and airline policies. For information on a specific topic, click one of the following links, or scroll down the page:

When to arrive
The general rule has been that you should arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights (an hour if you're not checking bags) and 2 hours early for international flights. However, you may want to give yourself more time to allow for more stringent security procedures.

Parking
The TSA has once again prohibited parking within 300 feet of an airport terminal.

Contact your airport to find out more about parking options. Expedia's Airport Guides page is located at http://www.expedia.com/daily/airports/default.asp and includes links to the Web sites of individual airports.

Aside from parking restrictions, a change that has become permanent is that you can't leave your car unattended at the curb.

Check-in Tips:
  • Check in on time: Some airlines require that you have your bags checked, either at the counter or curbside, at least 30 minutes before your departure.
  • Get to the gate early.
  • Board promptly.
  • Report last-minute changes: If you have to change your plans suddenly and decide not to take the flight, notify an airline customer service representative immediately. Be aware that most airlines now require you to pay a $100 fee, plus the difference in fare, if you use your nonrefundable ticket for another flight the same day. If you don't notify the airline of your change in plans on the day you're scheduled to travel and take another flight on the day of scheduled travel (up until midnight), your nonrefundable ticket has no value.
  • Be patient and cooperative: Passengers are randomly selected for more thorough security screening at various points in the check-in process. You could be searched at the ticket counter, security checkpoint, or gate.
Curbside check-in: Curbside check-in has been suspended.
You need to show government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or a passport, during check-in and at the airline gate.


Automated check-in: You are still allowed to check in online or at an automated kiosk. If you use those services, be sure to have your boarding pass and photo identification handy to show at the security checkpoint and airline gate.

Remote check-in: Remote check-in is available at a handful of airlines if you have an e-ticket and a domestic itinerary. However, you can't check baggage when you use the service.

Minors: Generally, minors don't require a photo ID, although the policy varies by airline. Some carriers might request an ID for unaccompanied children over 12, while others only require it for people age 18 or older. The adult dropping off the child is required to show ID and fill out a form. A copy of that form is sent with the child, and the gate agent at the other end verifies the information against the ID of the person picking up the child.

Gate check-in: Most passengers will be required to obtain boarding passes before passing through security, since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has eliminated gate check-in at a large number of airports.

You need to show government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or a passport, during check-in and at the airline gate.

Security checkpoints

At the entrance to the security checkpoint, you will be asked to show proof that you are authorized to enter the screening area.
  • People with parental, official, medical, business, or similar reasons will need to show a gate pass or other authorization issued by the airline.
  • Employees will need to show a valid ID.
  • At many airports, you will need to provide a boarding pass and valid picture identification card to enter the checkpoint.
Food: All food must go through the X-ray machine. Do NOT bring food to the security checkpoint unless it is wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are okay, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped.

Remove undeveloped film from your carry-on bag, otherwise, there's a chance it could be damaged.
You may carry beverages and other liquids in a paper or polystyrene container (such as styrofoam) through the metal detector. All other liquid containers, including aluminum, glass, and plastic, must go through the X-ray machine.

Liquid containers sent through the X-ray machine must be in either sealed or seal-able/spill-proof containers. Examples of permitted containers include: screw-top bottles or cups, baby bottles with nipples, and plastic containers with snap-on lids.

You should consume or dispose of any food or beverage that does not meet these requirements before entering the checkpoint.

Film: Remove undeveloped film from your carry-on bag, otherwise, there's a chance it could be damaged, due to more frequent and more powerful scanning machines. (If you can, develop your used film before your return.)

Metal objects: The TSA advises you to limit the amount of metal you wear, and to remove objects such as jewelry, car keys, and coins before you pass though the metal detector.

Electronic items: Items, such as laptops and cell phones, are subject to additional inspection. Laptop computers must be removed from their carrying cases and placed in one of the bins provided.

Shoes, clothing: Your shoes are also subject to closer inspection, so it's a good idea to wear low-heeled, leather, or canvas shoes that you can easily remove. You will also need to remove your outer coat or jacket and place it in one of the bins. These items go through the X-ray machine. You do not need to remove your suit jacket, sport coat, or blazer unless you are asked to do so by one of the passenger screeners.

You and your bags may still be inspected after you pass through the security checkpoint.

Except in extraordinary circumstances, a screener of your gender will conduct your secondary screening.
Secondary screening: Secondary screening occurs when an individual sets off the alarm on the metal detector, or if he or she is selected for additional screening. This screening includes a hand-wand inspection in conjunction with a pat-down inspection.

If you must go through a secondary screening, the screener will direct you from the metal detector to a screening station where he or she will brief you on the next steps.
  • Let the screener know of any personal needs you may have due to a religious or cultural consideration, disability, or other medical concern.
  • Except in extraordinary circumstances, a screener of your gender will conduct your secondary screening. You may request that your search be conducted in private.
  • While you will be separated from your carry-on baggage during this process, every effort will be made to help you maintain visual contact with your carry-ons.
Hand-wand inspection: The hand-wand inspection helps the screener to identify what may have set off the alarm on the metal detector. During the wanding procedure, you will be asked to stand with your feet apart and the screener will pass the wand over your entire body without actually touching you with the wand. Every effort will be taken to do this as discretely as possible.

Please take note of the following:
  • Areas of the body that have body piercings, thick hair, hats, and other items may require a pat-down inspection.
  • You may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.
  • The screener may ask you to open your belt buckle as part of the process.
  • The screener may ask you to remove your shoes, and your shoes may be X-rayed separately.
Carry-on inspection: If your bag is selected for secondary screening, it may be opened and examined on a table in your presence. Please DO NOT attempt to assist the screener during the search, and do not attempt to retrieve the item before the screener has advised you that the search is complete and your baggage is cleared.

You are limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a briefcase, pocketbook, or purse.
Your baggage might also be inspected with an Explosive Trace Detection machine (ETD), which is separate from the X-ray machine.

Pat-down inspection: A pat-down inspection complements the hand-wand inspection. In order to ensure security, this inspection may include sensitive areas of the body. Screeners are rigorously trained to maintain the highest levels of professionalism.

You may request that your pat-down inspection be conducted in private.

Carry-on
You are limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a briefcase, pocketbook, or purse. The restriction is meant to give screeners more time to check bags and passengers thoroughly and to speed up lines at security checkpoints.

For lists of prohibited and permitted items, see the TSA Web site at http://www.tsa.gov. Meals
Once on board, you probably won't go hungry if you're flying on a major route. While most airlines still adhere to the rule of no meals in coach on flights less than four hours and none in first class on flights less than two hours, there are exceptions. Even within those limitations, it's likely you'll get a snack and a drink.

If you think you'll get hungry on a shorter flight, it's wise to eat before you go, or pack a substantial snack in your bag.

Luggage smarts
Here's a checklist of luggage loss-prevention tips, plus advice for dealing with delayed bags:

  • Leave bags unlocked; screened bags that require physical search will be forcibly opened if locked. Secure them with plastic or cable ties to lessen the chance for damage.
  • Avoid packing valuable or important items in checked bags. If feasible, any necessary item that is prohibited from carry-on luggage should be shipped ahead of travel.
  • Pack personal or carry-on prohibited items (personal care items, razors, knives, scissors, lighters, tools, etc.) in clear plastic bags so they can be easily identified without handling.
  • Pack shoes on top.
  • If possible, avoid packing food or beverages. Some food items, including cheese and chocolate, cause detection devices to register false positives for explosives.
  • Spread out books or other dense items in luggage; avoid stacking.
  • Do not pack film; the screening machines will ruin film.
  • Attach identification to every checked and carry-on item, even something like a coat that you may put into an overhead bin and later forget.
  • Inside each bag, insert a copy of your itinerary along with contact information for you at your destination. Also, remove old claim check tags that were on your bags from previous trips.
  • Since so many bags look alike, fasten something to yours that will make it unique and easy to identify at a glance.
  • If you're traveling with someone else, consider dividing your clothes into separate bags so you'll have something to wear at your destination should one of the bags get delayed.
  • Make yourself a note about exactly what type of bags you have, their manufacturers, and any distinguishing characteristics. Having precise information will be helpful in case you have to report an item lost.
  • Verify that the correct name and destination have been written on your claim check.
  • Don't check laptops.
  • If your bag should fail to come out at baggage claim at your destination, don't leave the airport without first going to the airline's baggage claim office to file a report. Make sure to get a phone number to call to follow up, and a tracking number you can use to identify your particular case if you need to call to check on its status. Many airlines now have automated phone follow-up systems that require you enter your claim number in order to obtain an update.
Most airlines now allow two checked bags per ticketed customer, which normally are restricted in weight to no more than 70 pounds. If you plan to check more than two bags, contact the airline to find out what you'll be charged.