FLY WITH THE SCOOP. Before arriving at the airport, get the details.

Information about flights, baggage allowances, non-acceptable travel items,

security procedures, airport check-in and security wait times and acceptable

forms of ID all can be found online at most airline websites.  

 

FLY ORGANIZED. Don't be slowed down by last-minute details. Get your

seat assignment in advance; make ticketing changes and any special need

requests prior to the day of travel. When making your reservation, confirm the

correct spelling of your name and make sure all contact phone numbers and

e-mail addresses are current.

 

FLY PREPARED. Pack carry-on bags with essential items. Place contact

name information inside and outside baggage. For international travel, make

sure passports and visas are current for all passengers, including infants. Keep

all identification and ticketing documents in a handy location and remember:

checking baggage will make security checkpoints smoother and faster.

 

FLY VIRTUAL. To avoid long lines at the ticket counter, try airline's virtual

Check-in (VCI) options or self-service kiosks. VCI allows passengers to check in

on an airline's website, through personal digital assistants, Web-enabled phones

and toll-free telephone lines. Customers may use the new self-service kiosks to

check in, check baggage, request upgrades, and make seat selections.

 

FLY EARLY. Arrive at the airport at least one hour prior to flight departure for

domestic travel and at least two hours prior to flight departure for international

travel. Check the airline's website or airport wait and check-in estimates for

specific airports during peak and off-peak times and budget extra time for

random security checks. Be prepared to remove shoes, jackets, scarves, belts and

any metal or sharp objects as you visit security screening. Have your ID ready,

remove laptop computers from their cases and empty your pockets.

 

FLY INFORMED. When waiting to board the aircraft, use the Gate Information

Display Screens and Flight Information Display Screens to keep informed on

departure times, standby procedures and the current weather at your

destination city. To expedite the boarding process, arrive at the gate early with

your boarding pass, e-ticket receipt, passport, personal ID card and other

documentation ready.

 

FLY CONNECTED. Upon landing, listen to gate announcements, especially

if you have a connecting flight.