Saturday, May 6, 2017

Are Air Travel Rules Different Between Airports

Are Air Travel Rules Different Between Airports

Are you a frequent flyer?  If so, there is a good chance that you know all of the air travel rules.  Do you?  If so, do you know that air travel rules can vary between airports?  Most travelers, especially those that tend to fly out of the same airports, are unaware that the rules are different.

When understanding air travel, it is important to remember that there are two main sets of rules.  One set of rules are often imposed by the federal government.  These restrictions, such as the bans on sharp objects or certain liquids, must be upheld in all airports in the United States.  Despite these types of bans and air travel rules, you may also find that specific airports have implemented their own rules and restrictions. Although it is not required, a number of them have.

Whether you are a first time flyer or a frequent flyer, who is flying out of a new airport, you are advised to famialrize yourself with the air travel rules that are implemented in all airports, as well as the ones that are implemented individually, by each airport.  The rules that can be found in each airport are just as important as the rules that are widespread. For this reason, it is important that you famialrize yourself with them. This can be done a number of different ways.

Perhaps, the best way to learn airport rules is by visiting the website of the airport in which you will be flying out of. If you do not already know the address of that website, you can easily find it out by performing a standard internet search. You should perform your search with the name of the airport in question.  Once at the website’s main page, you should be able to find information on air travel rules.  You are encouraged to fully read those rules and take note of what you see; it may come in useful later on.  

As nice as it is to get information online, you are advised to be careful with what you find.  Most airports update their online websites on a regular basis, but not all do.  You will want to be on the lookout for outdated information. In addition to outdated information, there is a good chance that you will not find anything at all.  If your airport’s online website does not have any information on air travel safety and rules, it does not necessarily mean these rules do not exist.  However, it does mean that you may have to obtain the information elsewhere, such as directly from the airport.

When trying to contact an airport, you will have a number of different options.  If you are flying out of a local airport, it is likely that you can get the airport’s contact information for your local phone book. If not, you should be able to obtain it online.  Regardless of where you get your information from, you should find that each airport has a number of different telephone numbers listed.  In the event that there is not a phone number listed specifically for information on air travel rules, you will want to contact the customer service department.  Most airline representatives would be more than willing to answer all of your questions, including those on airport rules and restrictions.

In addition to familiarizing yourself with the airport that you will be flying in and out of, it is also a good idea to examine your airline.  Like many airports, many airlines have implemented their own air travel rules, guidelines, and restrictions.  For instance, there are some airlines that have specific rules on the flying with pets and others that are more flexible.  Before leaving for the airport, it is important that you determine whether or not these additional air travel rules exist.

When flying out of a new airport or on a new airline, the “but the other airline allowed it,” excuse will not work. That is why, to prevent confusion or confrontation, you are advised to know what rules and restrictions each airport and airline has, if any.

Air Travel:  What You Need to Know About Your Checked Baggage

When it comes to air travel, many travelers are more concerned with their carryon luggage than they are with their bags that will be handed over to airport staff. These bags, commonly referred to as checked baggage, are just as important, if not more important, than your carryon luggage. For this reason, there are a number of different factors that you should take into consideration, when packing your bags for your next flight.

One mistake that many travelers make, when it comes to checked baggage, is including prohibited items in their bag.  In addition to prohibited items, there have also been instances of travelers trying to hide illegal items in their checked luggage. Although it may seem like a good idea at the time, it isn’t. In fact, with today’s airport security screening, it is virtually impossible for you to get away with storing prohibited or illegal items inside your checked baggage. This is mostly due to the fact that the screening process has dramatically changed from what it was in the past, say ten years ago. 

In the past, certain airlines only randomly searched checked baggage. Many times, these searches were only implemented if airline officials or airport security had probable cause. Today, all bags are checked, including your checked luggage. Most checks will quickly be done, but, in some cases, more extensive searches may be conducted.  A quick check of your luggage may include rummaging through all of your belongings, looking for anything out of the ordinary.  An extensive search could include searching all of your clothing pockets and baggage compartments. In the event that you are subject to one of those checks, it is likely that you will be caught if you are trying to conceal a cigarette lighter or other prohibited items.

Since your bags will be checked, all of them, you are advised against locking your baggage before heading to the airport. After your bags have been properly screened, some airlines will allow you to replace the locks on your checked baggage, but not all will. For this reason, you may want to reconsider storing expensive items, such as electronic equipment, in your bags.  In addition to the possibility of theft, you will find that items packed inside your checked luggage are at a higher risk for being damaged then those that are in your carryon bags.

When packing your bags, which will be checked at the airport, it is also advised that you carefully pack them. There are a number of items, including sharp objects, which are prohibited from being stored in your carryon luggage, but those items can be placed in your checked baggage. As previously mentioned, airport security will likely examine those bags.  Even during a quick examination, they will rummage through your belongings. For that reason, you are advised to properly package and secure all items that can be considered dangerous, such as those with sharp edges or points.  This extra precaution may not only affect your safety, when you to go unpack your bags, but the safety of all airport security officials, especially those screening your luggage.  

By taking the time to famialrize yourself with all travel rules, including the airport screening process, you should be able to pack your bags for your next flight, the right way.  The wrong way, although you may not necessarily think about it at the time, could have serious consequences.

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