| The rules and regulations concerning air travel, | | | | lotions, creams or gels that you have in your carry |
| sometimes influenced by current events, seem to | | | | on bag must all be in containers holding 3 ounces or |
| change almost daily. Before leaving for the airport, | | | | less, and the containers must be able to fit in a one |
| always check with your airline or the TSA regarding | | | | quart size Ziploc type bag. The plastic bag then has |
| the most current restrictions and any recent changes. | | | | to be passed through the X-ray screening device |
| One thing that has not changed is the requirement to | | | | separately. If you have liquids in larger containers or |
| carry a photo ID. If you are flying within the United | | | | too many to fit in the bag, they must go in your |
| States and are age 18 or over, you must carry a | | | | checked luggage. |
| government issued photo ID, driver's license, | | | | Medication and baby formula is generally exempt |
| passport or other acceptable document. Photocopies | | | | from the 3 ounce rule, as well as liquids necessary to |
| are not accepted, so the original document must be | | | | sustain life, such as any liquids used for carrying |
| presented. Children less than 18 years of age do not | | | | transplant organs or bone marrow. Obviously this |
| need to carry a photo ID. | | | | does not apply to the every-day traveler. If you |
| If you are traveling outside the United States, check | | | | carry-on medication, it should be in the original labeled |
| the requirements carefully. You will generally need to | | | | container and it's also a good idea to take a |
| have your passport; or birth certificate along with a | | | | prescription or doctor's note. You cannot carry a |
| photo ID. Your passport will need to be valid at least | | | | drink on to the plane with you unless you purchased |
| through the period of your stay. The temporary rule | | | | it after passing through the security checkpoint. |
| that allowed you to carry a copy of the passport | | | | Almost equally confusing is the list of things that you |
| application no longer applies; you must have the | | | | can and cannot take on board the plane in your |
| actual passport. | | | | carry-on bag. Items that are obviously dangerous or |
| Several countries, particularly the Caribbean islands, | | | | could be used as a weapon, such as long knives, |
| will accept other documents, such as a birth | | | | explosives, guns or large tools, of course cannot be |
| certificate and driver's license, instead of a passport. | | | | taken on an airplane. You are allowed to carry on to |
| If you are traveling to a country that accepts a birth | | | | the plane items such as safety razors, scissors with |
| certificate, it has to be the original copy or a certified | | | | blades shorter than 4 inches and cigarette lighters. |
| copy. A US alien registration card, in some instances, | | | | The rules concerning checked bags can vary |
| is considered to be an acceptable form of photo ID | | | | depending on the specific airline. Also, if you are |
| as well as a driver's license. | | | | traveling in coach or first class and whether or not |
| Other countries require the passenger to obtain a | | | | you are traveling overseas can impact rules as well. |
| visa in advance and some countries even require you | | | | In general, you are allowed two pieces of checked |
| to have "sufficient funds" for your trip, as well as a | | | | luggage, each weighing no more than 50 pounds and |
| ticket to return from that country. Depending on | | | | each measuring less than 62 linear inches. Every piece |
| your destination, you may be required to verify | | | | of checked luggage must be clearly labeled. |
| where you are staying. Also, if you are a child | | | | In general, the airlines advise you to check in at least |
| traveling with just one parent, you may need a letter | | | | 90 minutes for a domestic flight and at least two |
| of consent from the other parent. | | | | hours beforehand if traveling internationally. The |
| Most airlines allow you to take a carry on bag as well | | | | airlines reserve the right to give your seat away if |
| as a personal item - a laptop, purse or camera, for | | | | you have not checked in by a certain time - usually |
| example. The exact size of the carry on bag may | | | | around 30 or 40 minutes before flight time. US airlines |
| vary by airline but in general, it should be able to fit | | | | do not require you to reconfirm your flight |
| under the seat in front of you or in the overhead | | | | beforehand, but it's a good thing to do. |
| compartment. The maximum weight limit on the carry | | | | So, if you are going to be flying, and especially if you |
| on bag is usually around 40 pounds; the maximum | | | | have not been on an airplane recently, check the |
| size 45 linear inches. | | | | current rules with your airline or travel agent. You do |
| Perhaps nothing is quite as confusing as the rules | | | | not want to be one of the many people that are |
| concerning carrying liquids on to the plane. Any liquids, | | | | denied boarding their flight. |