Air Travel Concerns

Many folks are feeling very concerned about both the hassle and safety of air travel since the attacks on Washington, D.C. and New York City on September 11, 2001. Recent heightened security restrictions and upgraded terror alerts contribute to more concerns about flying these days.

We travel a great deal, and we enjoy visiting new locales and seeing new sights. We are not going to allow these terrorist attacks to change this aspect of our lives. Here are some recommendations for all who want to travel:

Check with your airline before leaving home to see if they have made any changes in their carry-on policies. Some airlines are severely restricting or prohibiting carry-ons. Make sure you donīt have anything sharp such as pocket knives, Leatherman tools, metal nail files, razors, scissors, etc. in your carry-on baggage. Weīve even noticed security personnel making women take long hair pins out of their hair.

Print out a copy of the airlineīs "Contract of Carriage" and keep it with the other important paperwork you are carrying with you. If you have a cancelled or delayed flight, this information could help you get on another flight with another carrier without the change costing you more money.

Plan on arriving 2-4 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. Allow extra time for parking. Airport parking facilities will probably be more crowded due to newer distance requirements which are closing down some parking areas.

You may not be able to check your baggage at the curb in front of an airport. Check with the airlines to see if this service will be available or not. If it isn't, and if you have a lot of luggage, look for a luggage cart or ask a Sky Cap for help in getting your luggage to the ticket counter.

If your baggage is selected to be inspected more thoroughly, donīt take it personally. Security personnel are randomly inspecting more luggage.

Make sure that your e-ticket information and boarding pass are easily accessible as you may be asked to prove why you are in the airport by security personnel. Additionally, only ticketed passengers will be allowed at the gates now. You will have to say your "goodbyes" to friends and family before passing through the x-ray machine.

Take reading material and some healthy snacks with you so you wonīt be quite as bored while waiting at the gate. Donīt just sit either. Move around a bit to ward off deep venous thrombosis (D.V.T.) which can result from cramped seating and a lack of activity.

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