Q. Since the disaster on September 11th, what kind of enhanced security measures should I expect at Airports?
A. Checking In

• Arrive at the airport at least two hours before flight time. You may encounter long lines at check-in counters and airport screening stations.

• Curbside check-in is discontinued. Proceed directly to the check-in counters.
• If you are traveling with a tour group or cruise group, you will no longer be allowed to check in for flights at hotels or at the cruise terminals. You must check in at the airport.
• If someone is dropping you off at the airport, they must stay with the vehicle at all times. They should not leave it unattended, even for a moment.
• You must have a picture I.D. such as a driver’s license, passport, or government-issued identification. Insure that you make your reservation in the exact name that appears on the identification you plan on presenting at the airport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different, bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order). If traveling with an e-ticket, you must produce a copy of your e-ticket receipt when you check-in.
• The FAA also requires all non- U.S. citizens boarding international flights in the United States to show evidence of admission into the United States. Evidence of admission can consist of visas, I-94, parole letter, admission stamp, alien resident card, etc.

Getting to the Gate
To enter the secured area beyond the security screening checkpoint, you must show a valid picture I.D. and one of the following boarding documents indicating a flight departure for the current date:

• A receipt for an electronic ticket;

• An itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency confirming an electronic ticket;

• A boarding pass; or

• A paper ticket.

The FAA says receipts and itineraries MUST have ticket numbers on them.

If you do not have a boarding pass, ticket, e-ticket receipt or printed confirmation, an airline-issued boarding document must be obtained at the ticket counter prior to clearing security.

E-ticketed passengers with no receipt, agency or airline-issued itinerary must first go to the airport ticket counter to obtain a boarding pass. More information can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Web site at www.faa.gov/apa/faq/pr_faq.htm.

Passengers who do not have baggage to check and already have an approved boarding document, as outlined above, may proceed through the security checkpoint directly to the departure gate. Although no curbside or skycap check-in is permitted, wheelchair assistance from curbside will continue to be provided.

Provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled persons and persons with special needs who need to be accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians and for medical personnel who need to respond to a medial emergency beyond the check point.

All passengers should check with their airline or airport, or visit the airline or airport web site for additional information.

Keep your identification handy, as you may be asked after entering the gate area to produce it for airport or airline personnel.

Luggage
Keep your luggage and carry-on bags with you at all times prior to arriving at the airport and while in the terminal. Unattended bags will likely be confiscated – and even destroyed – by airport security.

Since you will likely encounter longer waits and more thorough inspections at screening stations, you may want to minimize your carry-on items so you can be processed more quickly.

Do not accept any packages or materials from strangers.

Do not carry any sharp instruments (i.e., letter openers, knives, box cutters, scissors, etc,) in carry on luggage. They will be confiscated at airport screening stations.

If you see any suspicious activity or see unattended bags, contact airline or airport personnel immediately.

Carry medications in your carry-on bags.

Q. Whatever happened to boarding passes?
A. The airlines no longer print a separate boarding pass prior to departure, due to the cut down on paperwork. You are able to get your seat assignments though—some airlines offer seat assignments up to 11 months in advance.

Q. Do I need a Visa when departing the country?
A. Requirements vary, depending on your nationality or citizenship. Simply call 1-800-222-VISA to find out what proper documentation you will need.

Q. How much time in advance should I check in for my flight?
A. For domestic flights 2 hour prior and for international flights 3 hours prior.

Q. What is the difference between electronic and paper tickets?
A. A paper ticket is the oldest form of ticketing—you receive actual coupons for each leg of your flight. Electronic ticketing was introduced to cut down on lost tickets and paperwork for the airlines. When you arrive at the gate you simply show your identification. Electronically the your flight information has been sent, including with your name and ticket number. In the case of electronic ticketing, it is impossible for you to lose your airline ticket.

Q. What happens if I lose my tickets?
A. For paper tickets only, the airline imposes a minimum charge of $70.00 per ticket and you must repay your original fare at the same time. Once the airline investigates that the ticket has not been turned in or has been used, you will receive the refund less the $70.00 penalty.

Q. Do my children under the age of 18 need identification?
A. Children under 18 years of age are not required to show I.D. while traveling within the United States, however for all travel abroad all U.S. citizens must carry a passport.