If you haven’t been on an aeroplane for a while, you may not be aware of some of the standard safety precautions that are required for air travel. You might also not be acquainted with some of the new security measures that have been put in place in US airports as a reaction to the events of September 11, 2001. If this is you, read on. It could save your holiday, or maybe even your life!
Baggage: Whatever you do, don’t leave any bags unattended in the airport, as you will run the risk of having it confiscated, or in some instances, destroyed.
If you are taking a gift for someone, don’t wrap it up until you arrive at your destination, as you may have to wrap it all over again with new paper once the security guys have gotten through with it.
Identification: The security staff at the airport will require you to present an official form of picture ID before you are allowed to board. Photo ID from a non-governmental source, such as student cards or laminate tags from your place of employ will not be accepted, however. They may be prepared to let you through without photo ID if you have two forms of state or federal issued identification, such as a social security card, but this is not guaranteed.
Checkpoints: Make sure you arrive at least half an hour earlier than you might have in the past, as nowadays many checkpoint agents insist on checking every piece of hand and hold lugguage that is going on the plane before they, and their owners, are allowed onto the aircraft.
Keep any bags that you intend to carry on the plane with you on the light side, as heavy bags can fall out of the overhead compartments, landing on you or another passenger.
Take any necessary medicines or special foods onboard with you, as the aircraft is unlikely to stock specialist medicines, and if its in the hold when you need it, chances are you won’t be able to get at it.
Check with your airline as to the maximum luggage size and weight that they specify for your journey, so make sure that you are not carrying more than you are allowed to or, you may have to pay extra. If you need to take more than the maximum, it will be less hassle when you get to the airport.
Write your contact details on the outside and the inside of every bag, as this will make it easier to reclaim your baggage if it is lost by the airline.
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