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Air Passes
Airline Baggage Fees
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Around-the-World Tickets and Fares
At the Airport
Avoiding the Airplane Cold
Best Airports for Layovers
Bumping and Overbooking
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Contacting Your Airline
Domestic Discount Airlines
Fear of Flying
Get the Best Airplane Seat
In Search of the World's Best Economy-Class Seat
Leave the Parking to Us
Long-Term Airport Parking
Open-Jaw and Circle Fares
The Airlines' Rights
Tips for Finding Cheap Airfare
Which Airlines Serve Meals?
Airline Baggage Fees
Airport Security Q&A
Around-the-World Tickets and Fares
At the Airport
Avoiding the Airplane Cold
Best Airports for Layovers
Bumping and Overbooking
Consolidators
Contacting Your Airline
Domestic Discount Airlines
Fear of Flying
Get the Best Airplane Seat
In Search of the World's Best Economy-Class Seat
Leave the Parking to Us
Long-Term Airport Parking
Open-Jaw and Circle Fares
The Airlines' Rights
Tips for Finding Cheap Airfare
Which Airlines Serve Meals?
In the ever-changing world of air travel, it can be difficult to know what to expect when you arrive at the airport for your flight. Will you be able to check in quickly or will the line stretch out the door? Will your carry-on bag meet the latest Transportation Security Adminstration (TSA) requirements? And what form of ID will you need to show?
We can't guarantee you a hassle-free trip to the airport, but a little preparation can go a long way to helping you know what to expect. Read on for our useful guidelines to help you sail smoothly through the airport on your next flight.
TSA Rules for Carry-on Luggage
For travelers who like to simply carry on and go, packing has gotten a little trickier in recent years. The TSA now requires that toothpaste, shampoo and other liquid/gel/aerosol items be stored in individual containers of three ounces or less if you want to put them in your carry-on. All containers must be placed inside one clear, quart-sized plastic bag. Need to bring more than that? You'll have to put it in your checked luggage.
Learn more about the rules in our comprehensive Airport Security Q&A. You'll also want to be sure you check the TSA's list of permitted and prohibited items before you pack.
Fees for Checked Baggage
As if the TSA's rules for carry-on bags weren't enough, you may also want to think long and hard about your checked bag as well. Most airlines are now charging passengers a fee -- typically $15 each way -- to check a single bag on a domestic flight. Checking a second bag will cost anywhere from $20 to $50. Read more about these fees in A Surge of Airline Surcharges.
Check-In Times
For domestic flights, you should be at the airport at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave if you're planning on checking luggage. If you're bringing just a carry-on, allow at least 90 minutes. If you're flying to Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands or an international destination, arrive at least two hours early. During peak travel times, allow even more time at the airport -- perhaps an extra 30 to 60 minutes.
woman airport listCheck with your airline for its recommended arrival times, as these may vary depending on where you're flying. For instance, American Airlines suggests allowing three hours for flights to Mexico and a whopping three and a half hours for flights to Delhi, India.
You may also want to check FlightStats.com (reviewed by IndependentTraveler.com here) for airport information such as security wait times, flight delays and other information that could affect your trip.
Curbside and off-airport check-ins have returned to many airports across the United States. In addition, many airlines allow you to check in for your flight and print your boarding pass via the Internet up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. This is not only a time-saver but can also mean a better selection of seats. Most airports are equipped with self-service kiosks that make the process of checking in speedier.
Airport Parking
If you're driving yourself to the airport, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot and get from your car to the terminal (which can literally be miles away). Keep in mind that airport lots fill quickly at peak travel times, so you may want to reserve a spot ahead of time in an off-airport lot. Learn more in Long-Term Airport Parking.
We can't guarantee you a hassle-free trip to the airport, but a little preparation can go a long way to helping you know what to expect. Read on for our useful guidelines to help you sail smoothly through the airport on your next flight.
TSA Rules for Carry-on Luggage
For travelers who like to simply carry on and go, packing has gotten a little trickier in recent years. The TSA now requires that toothpaste, shampoo and other liquid/gel/aerosol items be stored in individual containers of three ounces or less if you want to put them in your carry-on. All containers must be placed inside one clear, quart-sized plastic bag. Need to bring more than that? You'll have to put it in your checked luggage.
Learn more about the rules in our comprehensive Airport Security Q&A. You'll also want to be sure you check the TSA's list of permitted and prohibited items before you pack.
Fees for Checked Baggage
As if the TSA's rules for carry-on bags weren't enough, you may also want to think long and hard about your checked bag as well. Most airlines are now charging passengers a fee -- typically $15 each way -- to check a single bag on a domestic flight. Checking a second bag will cost anywhere from $20 to $50. Read more about these fees in A Surge of Airline Surcharges.
Check-In Times
For domestic flights, you should be at the airport at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave if you're planning on checking luggage. If you're bringing just a carry-on, allow at least 90 minutes. If you're flying to Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands or an international destination, arrive at least two hours early. During peak travel times, allow even more time at the airport -- perhaps an extra 30 to 60 minutes.
woman airport listCheck with your airline for its recommended arrival times, as these may vary depending on where you're flying. For instance, American Airlines suggests allowing three hours for flights to Mexico and a whopping three and a half hours for flights to Delhi, India.
You may also want to check FlightStats.com (reviewed by IndependentTraveler.com here) for airport information such as security wait times, flight delays and other information that could affect your trip.
Curbside and off-airport check-ins have returned to many airports across the United States. In addition, many airlines allow you to check in for your flight and print your boarding pass via the Internet up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. This is not only a time-saver but can also mean a better selection of seats. Most airports are equipped with self-service kiosks that make the process of checking in speedier.
Airport Parking
If you're driving yourself to the airport, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot and get from your car to the terminal (which can literally be miles away). Keep in mind that airport lots fill quickly at peak travel times, so you may want to reserve a spot ahead of time in an off-airport lot. Learn more in Long-Term Airport Parking.
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