WASHINGTON -- No corkscrews or hockey sticks. New limits on
carry-on baggage. Curbside check-in on an airline-by-airline basis.
The new security rules at airports and airlines can be
confounding -- and keep evolving -- but by late October, they at
least were beginning to come into focus.
The Federal Aviation Administration helped by putting out a tip
sheet with many of the new rules and guidelines, as well as some
suggestions.
Among them:
• Travelers are limited to one carry-on bag and a personal item,
such as a purse, briefcase or portable computer.
• Parking and curbside access is likely to be controlled and
limited, so take public transportation if possible.
• Passengers must have government-issued photo ID (federal,
state or local). Aside from check-in, travelers might be asked to
show this ID at subsequent points (such as at the gate) along with
their boarding passes.
• At the gate, travelers must be prepared to present a valid
photo ID card, along with their boarding pass.
• Automated check-in kiosks are available for airlines that have
appropriate security measures in place.
• E-ticket travelers should check with their airline to make
sure they have proper documentation for getting through security.
Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline
acknowledging the reservation, might be required.
• Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the screener
checkpoints, except for those with specific medical needs or for a
parent escorting a child, in which case some verification will be
required.
• All electronic items, such as laptops and cellular phones,
might be subjected to additional screening.
• Limit the metal objects you wear. Although the FAA tip sheet
doesn't mention it, there have been several reported cases where
women wearing underwire bras set off metal detectors.
• Passengers cannot carry on board an aircraft knives of any
length, composition or description; cutting instruments of any kind
and composition, including carpet knives and box cutters; any
device with a folding or retractable blade; ice picks; straight
razors; metal scissors, and metal nail files.
• Other forbidden carry-on items include corkscrews, baseball
bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles and hockey sticks.
• Permitted items for carry-on include walking canes and
umbrellas, nail clippers, safety razors (including disposable
razors), syringes (with medication and a professionally printed
label identifying the medication or manufacturer's name), tweezers
and eyelash curlers.
One of the greatest variables is how far ahead of time customers
should get to the airport in order to ensure they will make their
flight. By late October, that still seemed highly dependent on the
airport, the airline and even the time of day. A short wait at one
airport one day did not ensure a short wait the next, based on
traveler experiences.
Most airlines were advising customers to arrive at the airport
two hours ahead of time for domestic flights and three for
international service. But as with many of the rules, customers
should check with each airline for its recommendations and
advice.