Due to added airport security requirements, all airlines require government issued photo identification from all passengers age 16 or older. The name on each ticket must match the name on the identification, and all passengers must check in at the ticket counter. Children under age 16 are not required to present photo identification on domestic flights, but must have proper documents for international flights.

On international flights, be sure to check the specific entry requirements for the country you are visiting. Airlines are not allowed to board any passenger who does not have proper travel documents and identification.

Check-In

During this time of changing security, you are advised to check in for your domestic flight a minimum of 2 hours before departure. During heavy travel periods it is advisable to check in even earlier to allow for long check-in and security lines. During high security alert periods vehicles may be subject to search. Curbside baggage check may not be allowed and gate check-in may be restricted. Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security check points. Please plan your arrival at the airport accordingly to allow for possible security delays.

Plan to check in at least 3 hours before any international flight to allow time for added security and identification procedures. Some international airports are very crowded and may require even more time for check-in.

Checking in early will also help minimize your chances of being inconvenienced by the airlines’ overbooking practices.

Keep in mind that most airlines will release pre-assigned seating well before flight departure, some as early as 30 minutes. Anyone not properly checked-in before that time is subject to loss of advance seat assignments and possibly an increased chance of being involuntarily “bumped” if the flight is overbooked.

Most airlines do not pre-assign all of their seats before departure day, and some hold “preferred” seating until the day of departure for their most frequent flyers.  Many also hold back exit row and bulkhead row seats until departure day. If a reservation is designated as “airport check in” for seat assignments, plan to arrive at the counter earlier than normal to improve your chances of obtaining your desired seating on board the aircraft.

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Re-confirm International Flights

On international flights it is usually required that you re-confirm your continuing and return flights 72 hours before departure. Some international carriers routinely cancel reservations that have not been re-confirmed. Your hotel’s concierge may be able to assist you with re-confirmation.

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Baggage Information        

For the most updated baggage information, please see our                   Baggage Links page and click on the specific airline.       

Many airlines now charge for checked baggage. Extra charges are also required for additional bags, oversized bags, or heavy bags. In the interest of good public relations most airlines have been somewhat flexible in the past regarding their carry-on limits. However, as more and more aircraft operate with a full load of passengers, and due to added security, the carriers have had to become more strict in their enforcement of carry-on rules. Expect to be asked to check any bag that does not fit under a standard seat (dimensions 9” x 14” x 22”) or exceeds 44 pounds. General size limits on checked bags are a maximum dimension (length + width + height) of 62” total for the first bag and 45” total for the second. Checked bags in excess of 50 pounds are subject to an excess weight charge. Inquire with the individual airline for their specific baggage policies and charges. If you arrive at your destination and your bags are missing or damaged, be sure to save your baggage tags and file a report immediately with the airlines’ baggage department.

When packing your luggage and carry-on remember...

Carry-on bags are generally allowed, but please pay attention to their contents.

Do not pack sharp objects or cutting instruments of any kind in your carry-on luggage. This includes many everyday items, such as pocketknives of all sizes, utility knives, scissors, corkscrews, sharp-ended combs, etc. Checkpoint security staff will confiscate these and all items seen as potential weaponry.

If you are bringing sharp objects, be sure to pack them in your checked baggage and not on your person.

Due to the increased security measures, luggage is being hand searched more frequently. Please help expedite this process by packing personal items in clear plastic bags within your luggage.

Please see the Transportation Security Administration website for the most current travel security information and carry-on restrictions.

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Meals

Many airlines have scaled back on their meal services. If a flight serves a full meal, most airlines still offer special meals on these flights. If your diet requires special offerings (such as vegetarian, kosher, diabetic, etc.) just let us know and we can make a special meal request at the time we book your reservation. 

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Frequent Flyers

Frequent flyer accounts should always match the name on your photo identification. Some airline computer systems will reject frequent flyer numbers or fail to post miles if the name on the frequent flyer account does not exactly match the name on your reservation. Since photo identification is required and the names must match, it is important that your frequent flyer accounts be accurate in name spellings, no nick-names, etc.

Save your boarding passes, rental car receipts, hotel receipts, etc. until you are sure the appropriate mileage has been posted to your account. Most airlines will allow you to post miles for up to six months after your travel date to allow for omitted or improperly posted mileage.

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Additional Helpful Links:

Packing Tips    Government Per-Diem Rates

World Travel Guide Online