Arrival at the Airport
Domestic flights require checking luggage two hours before a flight and presence at gate one hour before departure. International flights require three hours' advance luggage check-in and presence at gate a 90 minutes before departure. Proper paperwork includes ticket, boarding pass, photo identification and/or passport. Some foreign carriers require 72-hour advance confirmation.
Luggage
Domestic flights permit a checked bag weighing 50 pounds or less, and foreign carriers usually permit checking two 50-pound bags. All checked bags require fees, although some foreign carriers waive a fee on a second bag. Airlines may permit either one or two carry-on bags (personal and luggage).
Security
All liquids in carry-on luggage must be contained in 3-ounces-or-less containers within a one-quart clear plastic bag. Laptops, jackets, metal objects and shoes must be removed and placed in bins for X-ray scanning. No sharp objects or explosives are permitted.
240 Me
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According to Rule 240, if a flight is delayed or canceled for any reason other than weather, the airline must endorse a ticket to the next available flight even if it is not with their company. Exceptions are if the flight was the last available flight of the day or if the airline has no "interline" agreements with other carriers (often low-cost airlines).
No No-Shows
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Notify the airline prior to departure if circumstances prevent boarding your flight. Even in emergencies this applies. No-shows' tickets are canceled without refunds. Some airlines provide a grace period only in the event of extreme situations.
Article Written By Nancy E. Spraker
Nancy E. Spraker is a writer/copy editor with more than 20 years of experience in publishing. Her name appears in the magazines "SAIL," "Latitudes & Attitudes," "Southern Boating," "The AutoPILOT" and "Women in Aviation." Her education includes a B.A. in communication arts from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Arts in professional writing from Kennesaw State University.
