This resource page is available to assist passengers as they plan and prepare to depart for travel. All passengers are strongly encouraged to review the Web site of the airline on which they are flying for respective policies, amenities, customer service plans and flight-operation alert notifications.
Security and Your Reservation
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is in the process of taking over from airlines the requirement to check all passengers against government “watch lists.” This endeavor is known as the Secure Flight Program. As a result of this change, eventually all passengers will be required, when making a reservation, to provide their full name as it appears on their government-issued identification (see TSA Identification Requirements), date of birth, gender and, if applicable, redress number (passengers who encounter identification problems should apply to TSA for redress to help prevent watch-list matching misidentifications in the future). The transfer of this program to TSA will be completed sometime in 2010. Eventually, airlines will not be able to complete reservations without this required identification information.
Automatic Alerts
It is suggested that travelers register with their airline to receive automated travel notifications, which are delivered to cell phones or wireless devices; in the event of system delays and flight/schedule changes. This is best done at the time the reservation is made, but also can be completed at a later date.
International Travel
If planning to travel outside of the United States, review the following resources for important security and public health information:
When planning to visit the United States, check the DHS US-VISIT Traveler Information page for international travelers holding a non-U.S. passport or visa. For citizens traveling from Visa Waiver (VWP) countries to the United States, visit the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) VWP and CBP Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Packing – Security and Hazardous Materials
TSA requires that air travelers follow its 3-1-1 Rule for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags when passing through security checkpoints. The 3-1-1 Rule describes liquids, gels and aerosol container limitations, bag size requirements for holding them and exemptions. If passengers require larger amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols that are not exempted or banned by TSA, place them in the checked luggage.
When traveling internationally, remember that the 3-1-1 Rule applies to liquids such as liquor and perfume purchased at airport duty-free shops or onboard your flight. Travelers are not being allowed to carry large bottles of duty-free liquids onboard when connecting to a U.S. domestic flight (keep in mind that many other countries have similar bans.) Check the airline’s Web site for more information.
Passengers should familiarize themselves with the TSA list of prohibited items, allowable food or gifts, safe travel with batteries and devices, "checkpoint friendly" laptop bags, special items, and rules about baggage locks. Make sure that all checked and carry-on bags are clearly identified with name and contact information. It is a good idea also to place contact information inside of the bag in case luggage tags become detached. Also, label items like cameras, cell phones, and laptop computers, or anything else that you might accidentally leave behind at the airport or onboard an aircraft with respective contact information, so that arrangements quickly can be made to have it returned.
It is important to follow federal rules and airline policies concerning carry-on baggage; each passenger in general may carry one standard-size carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, camera case or laptop computer – see also FAA Carry-On Passenger Tips. Place medicine, cash, jewelry, passports, visas and other valuables in your carry-on luggage.
Special Needs
- Passengers with Disabilities: Passengers with disabilities have greater access to air travel than ever. Airlines work extensively with the Department of Transportation (DOT), advocacy groups, airports and passengers to provide a safe, efficient and dignified travel experience. Please check the individual airline policies that will apply before traveling. If there is a special need, it is a good idea to discuss it with the airline ahead of the travel date. Read the Overview Information for Passengers Based on Air Carrier Access Act Regulations, TSA Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions and DOT Rules and Guidelines for Passengers with Disabilities
- Traveling with Children: The following links provide guidelines for traveling with children to help children have a safe and comfortable experience: TSA Traveling with Kids, FAA Flying with Children, FAA Child Safety on Airplanes, FAA Child-Safety Brochure and DOT: When Kids Fly Alone
- Pet Travel: Not all airlines accept pets for travel, either in the cabin or cargo compartment. Those carriers that do accept pets for travel have their own pet transportation policy. Customers need to contact their airline directly when making travel plans for their pet. See Air Travel for Your Pet and FAA: Pets in the Passenger Cabin
- Other: TSA offers screening guidance for military personnel, those with religious and cultural needs and those traveling with special items
Just Before Taking Your Trip
Up to 24 hours prior to departure, passengers can use automated check-in options, offered via airline Web sites and at airports.
It is always a good idea to check flight status before leaving for the airport in the event that there has been an unexpected flight delay. Check the FAA Airport Status and Delays, Weather, local traffic reports to the airport and plan accordingly.
Arrive at the airport early. It is important to check with the airline in advance for specific advice on how early to arrive. Allow a minimum of one hour for domestic flights and two hours for international flights, although at many airports the minimums are 90 minutes and three hours, respectively.
Become familiar with Dealing with Delays in the rare event of a lengthy onboard delay.
At the Airport
Be prepared by having your issued boarding pass and government-issued photo identification ready for security officials to examine. Airport self-service check-in kiosks are available if check-in and boarding-pass issuance was not completed via the Internet.
At the security checkpoint, place metallic objects (including keys, coins, pens, cell phone, watch and camera) in carry-on baggage. See TSA checkpoint advice for How to Get through the Line Faster.
Onboard
Once your trip planning has been completed, relax, read a book, watch a movie, enjoy other inflight amenities or take a nap and arrive fully refreshed.
Please remember to listen carefully to the onboard safety announcements. The following FAA information might be interesting as well: Safety Record of Airlines/Aircraft and Turbulence: Staying Safe.
When traveling on an international flight and when returning to the United States, remember that large bottles of duty-free liquids, such as liquor or perfume, cannot be carried onboard a connecting U.S. domestic flight in accordance with the TSA 3-1-1 Rule.
Post Flight
ATA members are committed to providing the highest possible level of safety and service to our customers. Each participating airline has published a Customer Service Plan – please consult the respective airline's Web site for the details of its customer commitment and review Customers First: 12-Point Customer Service Commitment.
If experiencing a problem with any portion of the travel experience, please contact the appropriate entity(ies), so that the situation may be adequately addressed.